Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, on the eve of the new Formula One season in Melbourne, has called for a movement to "take Africa back", alleging that the continent is being "controlled" by European powers. He outlined his ambition to compete in a grand prix on African soil, emphasizing the need to address what he described as ongoing external dominance.

Hamilton, F1's first black race driver, suggested that former colonial rulers still exert undue power in the region. He stated, "I've got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin. I'm really proud of that part of the world. 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 the people running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back."

He specifically named France, Spain, Portugal, and Britain, calling for action to reverse their influence. Hamilton added, "That's what I want to see. 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."

On the matter of an African grand prix, Hamilton reiterated his longstanding support, noting his efforts over the past six to seven years. He said, "For the past six years, maybe seven, I've been fighting in the background to get a grand prix... sitting with stakeholders and asking the question: 'Why are we not in Africa?'. I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them."

Based on his extensive travels, Hamilton proposed Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as potential hosts. He commented, "I think they've been to quite a few different countries. I loved Kenya – I don't think we're going to have a grand prix in Kenya – but Rwanda particularly was spectacular. South Africa is stunning. Those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to."

Source: www.theguardian.com