Lewis Hamilton Reveals Retirement Stipulation, Wants Africa to Host F1 Grand Prix Race

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton set a tangible benchmark he wants to see before he'll feel content to retire from racing.

"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?'" he told reporters.

To that end, Hamilton hopes the continent hosts an event before he steps away.

"I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them," he said. "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. That would be amazing, given that I'm half African."

The seven-time Formula One champion is clearly past his prime, and he turned 41 in January. Fans know the time is ticking down in his legendary career. His recent remarks hint that he might stick around for another few years at least.

Formula One staged a grand prix in Morocco in 1958, and South Africa was a semi-regular stop until 1993. Hamilton cited Rwanda and South Africa as realistic possibilities in terms of bringing a race back to Africa.

For now, his focus will be on the opening race of the 2026 season. Things get underway Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton and Ferrari are aiming to rebound from a sixth-place finish in last year's drivers' standings.