British Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly acknowledged his African heritage, tracing his roots to Nigeria, the Benin Republic, and Senegal. The seven-time world champion made this announcement recently while promoting the idea of hosting a major motorsport event on the African continent.
Call for Africa to Host Premier Motorsport Events
Hamilton emphasized the absence of significant car racing competitions in Africa, noting that the continent last hosted a Formula One race in South Africa in 1993. He urged racing authorities and countries in Europe and Asia to direct some focus toward organizing major events in Africa, a region he believes is overlooked in the motorsport world.
Reflecting on his connection to Africa, Hamilton remarked,
“I’m half African. I’ve got roots from a few different places there. Benin, Senegal, Nigeria. It’s something I’m really proud of, that part of the world.”
He expressed admiration for Africa’s beauty and concern over its exploitation, adding,
“I don’t like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it, and no one speaks about it.”
Hope for African Unity and Autonomy
Hamilton conveyed a strong wish for African nations to reclaim control over their continent. He stated,
“Hoping that the people who are running those different countries come together and take Africa back. Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, from the Portuguese and the British.”
This reflection highlights not only his pride in his heritage but also his concern over Africa’s historical colonial influences and current global dynamics. Hamilton’s statements bring attention to the need for greater recognition and investment in African motorsport and African empowerment more broadly.
