Lewis Hamilton has ignited widespread criticism after his recent comments at a press event during the Australian Grand Prix, where he urged African nations to “take Africa back” from European countries he named specifically. The Scuderia Ferrari driver, who has roots tied to Africa, expressed frustration that foreign powers, including the United Kingdom, continue to exert influence over parts of the continent‘s wealth and resources.
Addressing an African reporter, Hamilton described Africa as
“the most beautiful part of the world”
but condemned the ongoing control and exploitation he perceives is still imposed by external nations. His statements have provoked heated debate online, with many disputing the implications of his remarks.
“It is the most beautiful part of the world, and 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. I’m really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. That’s what I want to see,” said Hamilton.
“Take it back from the French. Take it back from the Spanish. Take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It’s so important for the future of that continent. They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that’s probably why they are being controlled the way they are,” he added.
Public Reaction and Interpretations of Hamilton’s Remarks
The backlash largely centers on Hamilton’s call to reclaim Africa from former colonial powers, which some have interpreted as a prompt for expelling current non-African residents or workers. Online commentators accused Hamilton of promoting racist ideas against white people, with posts ranging from accusations of blatant racism to labeling his statements as anti-white sentiments.
“What a racist statement. Why is racism towards white people normalized,” wrote one user.
“Blatant racism. Never liked this guy. Lost for words,” wrote another fan.
“Well yeah, he is an anti white racist,” said another user.
Despite these reactions, some supporters have noted the contradiction given Hamilton’s prior vocal opposition to racism and discrimination, especially against immigrants in Europe. Hamilton himself did not explicitly call for removing people born outside Africa but seemed instead to advocate for African nations to regain control over their rich natural resources and economic destiny.
A Broader Context of Colonial Legacy and Resource Control
Hamilton’s comments also resonate within the historical backdrop of Africa’s colonial past, where European countries such as Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal ruled vast territories for decades. He highlighted the continent’s mineral wealth and resources as key assets that could empower African countries to achieve economic independence and global influence if managed by Africans themselves.
He stressed unity among African countries as a necessary step for reclaiming economic autonomy and addressing the legacy of exploitation. However, the phrasing “take Africa back” unsettled many observers who felt the message could be misunderstood or interpreted as exclusionary.
Hamilton’s Ambition for a Formula 1 Race on African Soil
In addition to his comments on Africa’s political and economic future, Lewis Hamilton shared his personal aspiration to compete in a Formula 1 race held in Africa before retiring. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of racing on the continent, which aligns with his heritage, yet acknowledged that the timeline remains uncertain.
“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there. I’m chasing them – when is it going to be? They’re setting certain dates. I’m like, damn, I could be running out of time, so I’m going to be here for a while until that happens, because that would be amazing, given that I’m half-African.”
Hamilton cited Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda as possible candidates for hosting an African race. Historically, Formula 1 has held events in South Africa and Morocco, but no current races are scheduled anywhere on the continent.
What a racist statement. Why is racism towards white people normalized?
— Dani (@daniknowsfooty) March 6, 2026
Blatant rascism.
Never liked this guy.
Lost for words.
— Bråstein Sneder (@Bardar11) March 6, 2026
https://twitter.com/SirJBritain/status/2029898800706224201
