Lewis Hamilton’s Dream May Materialize Soon as F1 Takes Decisive Steps for the Glaring Hole in the F1 Calendar

It’s no secret that Formula 1 is keen on expansion. The bulk of those efforts recently have been going on in the United States of America. Currently, F1’s biggest target is the US market. In pursuance of this, the sport has added a whopping three US Grands Prix to the calendar this year. But F1 knows, that if it truly wants to grow, a more global approach is necessary. Hence, after tapping into the Middle Eastern markets, too, the sport is now eyeing a foray into the African continent. And Lewis Hamilton must be beaming at this prospect.

Recently, the news emerged that F1 wants to chalk out a 25-race calendar for 2024. This crops up the prospect of having two brand new circuits on the calendar next year. But what if the sport looked to the past instead?

F1 grants Lewis Hamilton his wishes

In the past, the 7x champion has been very vocal about his demands to have a race in Africa. He was quoted by RacingNews365.com as saying, “I’ve been pushing a lot in the background to get the Grand Prix there [South Africa]. I’m happy with the talks that have been [happening], and Stefano [Domenicali] has been doing an amazing job trying to get it to happen.”

Needless to say, the only viable option that crops up to host a race in South Africa is Kyalami. An iconic circuit, the chances of F1 going back there are real. De Telegraaf reports, “The Formula 1 management still hopes that another race will be held in South Africa soon.”

“The promoter of the Kyalami circuit must demonstrate in the coming weeks that the budget for the organization of a Grand Prix over several years is complete. In that case, an African race will be added to the calendar in 2024.” [translated via Google Translate]

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And while Hamilton may rejoice knowing he might get a chance to race in Africa, his contemporary, Max Verstappen will have the complete opposite reaction.

Max Verstappen might quit F1 at this rate

Going back to South Africa is a small part of the bigger picture for F1. In reality, the sport wants to expand its calendar. And while this means more racing action for the fans, drivers like Verstappen aren’t too happy about this.

Verstappen told Channel 4, “We are going to more races. I have a contract until 2028, I’ll be 31, so I do think about if we are heading into this direction with more and more races, do I really want to continue this until I’m like 35? Probably not.”

He then went on to explain his reasons. “Because there’s so many more fun things as well I want to do outside of Formula 1 and I don’t want to be travelling almost my whole year being away from family, friends.”

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If not Kyalami, which circuit that F1 has raced at before would you like to make a comeback on the 2024 F1 calendar?