Hamilton says F1 must come to SA

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton Mckenzie has lauded Lewis Hamilton for supporting the plan to have a Formula 1 race in South Africa.

We truly appreciate the help of @LewisHamilton , we will make sure it’s coming to South Africa this time. I also wanna thank Minister @PatriciaDeLille for her passion and help. https://t.co/oGjTvG1GIr

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 23, 2024

The minister met with Acting President Paul Mashatile to discuss some of the sports event that would bolster South Africa’s appeal to the world.

These include, F1, Power Slap and UFC amongst others.

Meanwhile seven time Formula 1 champion Hamilton says he would love to see F1 come to Africa.

Hamilton was speaking ahead of the weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, in Zandvoort, saying this is the perfect time for F1 to collaborate with Rwanda and South Africa to make this happen.

He pointed out how important it will be for the African continent to include it on the Formula One calendar.

Hamilton says it is time for the African continent to be recognized.

“The time’s 100% right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said the Mercedes driver.”

He says having the race on the African continent could boost tourism and highlight Africa’s appeal.

Hamilton pointed out that there is already a track in Africa ready for use and should be taken into consideration.

“I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent? In the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar, and then work on building out something really cool.”

The 39-year-old Briton who has recently travelled to some parts of Africa, visited Morocco, Senegal, Benin, Mozambique, and Madagascar, says people need to know how beautiful Africa is and how much it has to offer.

“I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda, I’ve spoken to people in South Africa. That’s a longer project, Rwanda, but it’s amazing that they’re so keen to get a part of it.”

The last time Formula 1 had an event in Africa was in 1993, at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit.

Hamilton returns to F1 at Zandvoort this weekend as the winner of two of the past three rounds.

South Africans took to social media to express their excitement.

Amazing thank you Minister @GaytonMcK @LewisHamilton and Minister @PatriciaDeLille ! Let’s make this happen! 🌍🛫🚀🌕

— Adriaan J Liebetrau (@adriaanjl) August 23, 2024

I love this . If this is coming, it will be magnificent four tourist to South Africa help with our struggle economy

— Eleazar Allstar Lambert (@EleazarAllstar) August 23, 2024

Ahh! Sir Lewis Hamilton keep stealing my heart. Yes, Africa the continent is vast, diverse and its people in the 54 states are breathtakingly beautiful. Her people deserve a F1 race. It will be s-o spectacular! Make it happen please power breakers. ❤️🙏🏾🎚️👏🏾🏁🇿🇦#F1Africa https://t.co/5i7O1zKv4z

— Penguinfella (@LorenArries) August 22, 2024