Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has outlined his ambition to compete in a Grand Prix on African soil, speaking on the eve of the new season in Melbourne, Australia. The 41-year-old driver, F1's first black race driver, also voiced sharp criticisms about the continent's current state, claiming it is being "controlled" by European powers.

Hamilton, referencing his African roots in Togo and Benin, stated, "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. 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 French, Spanish, Portuguese, and British governments, adding, "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 he has been pushing for it for the past six to seven years. He said, "I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them. 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."

Having traveled extensively in Africa, Hamilton suggested Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as potential hosts. He remarked, "I think 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