Lewis Hamilton on Thursday called for a "Free Palestine" in comments made during a conference discussing Formula One’s return to Africa this week.
The 41-year-old British driver pushed for the race to return to Africa, despite the proposal garnering backlashing, stating it would create huge economic opportunities for the continent.
During the conference, he noted there were some reservations over Rwanda hosting the continent’s first Grand Prix in over three decades, but said he wanted to stay in racing in the next decade so he would be able to fulfil his dream of racing in an African Grand Prix.
When quizzed about if he had any other comments or thoughts, he said: "I guess I'll finish it off with, you know. I think we need to make sure we're pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine. I think there's a lot of peace that I'm hoping that some stage we get to".
The development comes after Formula One last week announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda, with the race set to commence after the circuit has been built in the early 2030s.
He acknowledged that there were problems in Africa as well as all over the world, but defended the decision saying, “I think we really have to approach it with humility”.
“Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum,” he said.
"A lot of the problems they have there are still the results of colonialism and the West intervening, but if you see the people, you see so many designs that are out there today. Top brands come from Africa, and it’s got all the richest resources,” he continued.
He also stated that the culture across Africa is rich and having Formula One there would allow the continent to shine.
Conversations surrounding Rwanda hosting Formula One started in May 2024 when officials met leaders of the International Automobile Federation during the Monaco Grand Prix. Months later, Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that Rwanda submitted a proposal and discussions would be underway.
The decision has garnered opposition, with Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner arguing that the event could improve President Paul Kagame’s international image while conflict rages on.
This is not the first time Hamilton has called for a free Palestine. He has previously called for a ceasefire in Gaza amid Israel’s onslaught which has killed over 74,000 people. He has also used his social media platforms to shed light on the destruction in Gaza as a result of fierce Israeli bombardment.
