As RaceFans reports, Lewis Hamilton has expressed mixed feelings regarding Formula 1’s choice of Rwanda to host the championship's first grand prix on the African continent since 1993. The seven-times world champion has spent years lobbying for a return to Africa, holding countless meetings and phone calls with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and various presidents across the continent.
While the seven-times world champion believes the continent richly deserves a grand prix to showcase its culture, lovely people, and rich resources to the world, the selection of Rwanda has brought heavy scrutiny. As RaceFans notes, the Rwandan government faces accusations of backing a rebel militia in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, with Amnesty International stating that the M23 group has committed human rights abuses which may amount to war crimes. Additionally, DR Congo’s minister of foreign affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, previously informed Domenicali that holding a race in Rwanda would be morally indefensible unless guarantees are made that the event is not funded by wealth taken from DR Congo.
Hamilton acknowledged these pressing concerns, stating that the series must approach the situation with humility and refuse to overlook ongoing issues. Pointing out that western education systems often fail to teach Africa's history, the driver highlighted that many current problems stem directly from colonialism and western intervention. He emphasised that visiting the region must not mean neglecting local atrocities and voiced hope that the grand prix would spark wider education and conversation.
Concluding his thoughts on the matter, the seven-times world champion delivered a clear message on global conflicts. "I guess I’ll finish it off with: I think we need to make sure we’re pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine," he said. "I think there’s a lot of peace that I’m hoping that at some stage we get to."
