F1: Hamilton, 'I want to race in Rwanda, even if I'm 45'

Lewis Hamilton wants to stay in Formula 1 long enough to contest the Rwandan Grand Prix, expected in the early 2030s.

"Now I am forced to stay much longer, because we will have a race in Africa. My dream is to be able to race there," said the seven-time world champion, 41, as reported by the Times. If the debut came in 2030, the Ferrari driver would be 45 years old, like Fernando Alonso, who has confirmed his stay in F1 for at least another season.

Hamilton, whose contract with the Maranello team is due to expire at the end of next year, added: "If I can still achieve good results next year, we will continue like this." The Briton has been fighting for some time to bring the World Cup back to Africa. Last week it was confirmed that the circuit will be built in Bugesera, around 40 kilometers south of the capital Kigali, near the new international airport. The track will be purpose-built and no date has yet been set for the debut.

The project, supported by the Visit Rwanda brand, is however contested by Amnesty International, which accuses Formula 1 of contributing to the "sportswashing" of the Rwandan authorities, criticizing its record on human rights and its alleged responsibility in the conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Kigali denies direct involvement in supporting the M23 rebels.

Hamilton urged us not to ignore the critical issues of the continent, hoping that the race will contribute to making its history and cultures better known. "Going there does not mean neglecting what is happening," he underlined, also calling for peace for Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine.