F1 News: F1’s “Money” Game Gets Flak for Lewis Hamilton’s Unfulfilled African F1 Dream

Lewis Hamilton has long been advocating for F1’s return to the continent of Africa. It’s his dream to be able to race there before he finally hangs up his helmet. And earlier in 2023 it looked like his dream was getting closer to becoming a reality when Formula 1 was involved in negotiations with the officials of the Kyalami Circuit. The very circuit that held the last African Grand Prix in 1993. However, the two parties could not reach an agreement and Hamilton’s hopes to race in Africa were dashed as the negotiations were postponed.

But all is not lost. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged these negotiations and expressed the need for stability and finding the right partners. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also reemphasized the importance of focusing on Africa as a potential venue for F1. The FIA is coming up with new and innovative solutions to support motorsport at the grassroots level in Africa with programs like ‘Motorsport in a Box’ to strengthen local motorsport clubs.

Former Ferrari boss outlines the ‘money’ problem in Formula 1

After the negotiations with the Kyalami Circuit officials went sour, Jody Scheckter, the 1979 South African F1 world champion, revealed that the main reason behind the fallout was the greed of one particular circuit official. Scheckter said that he was part of the ongoing negotiations and he reported that the official went from $500,000 to $2 million and was looking to take over everything.

Ironically, that’s not too far away from the reality of Formula 1 as well according to Peter Windsor. In a recent Q&A on his YouTube channel, the ex-Ferrari boss was asked how could F1 be called a “world championship” if the sport never expands to Africa.

In response, Peter Windsor explained, “I love Africa and I think it’s wrong that we’re not in South Africa. I think it’s wrong we’re not in Argentina or Colombia. I think it’s wrong we’re not in New Zealand, I think it’s wrong we’re not in Vietnam. But we are in a lot of places where there’s a lot of money and guess what money is what it’s all about. That’s the end of the answer for that one I think.”

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Although the hope for the return of Kyalami Circuit still exists, Lewis Hamilton is not leaving any stone unturned to fight for his dream.

Lewis Hamilton is in constant touch with the F1 CEO to get Africa back on the calendar

Despite the recent setbacks, Lewis Hamilton has expressed his support for the direction taken by F1’s leadership. He particularly praised CEO Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media for their efforts to expand F1’s presence in the United States with the inclusion of the slightly controversial Las Vegas GP.

He also actively engages with Domenicali to constantly remind him of the importance of Africa being a part of the F1 circus for the sports’ global presence. “I’m on to Stefano because I really want to get the race in South Africa or in Africa. So if it’s not South Africa, it will be somewhere else there hopefully, because we’re on all the other continents,” Hamilton told Motorsport Week.

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Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes until the end of 2025 might be his final stint in Formula 1. Will he get to live his dream of racing in Africa? Only time will tell.