Since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, held in Kyalami (recently renovated, in photo), F1 has not traveled to Africa. It must be said that its ethics and integrity were questioned, especially during the 1980s, because F1 continued to race in this country then characterized by apartheid of a racist regime.
F1, in its history, also went to Morocco in 1958 – the country which today hosts the WTCR and Formula E in Marrakech.
Very committed to the issue of diversity in F1, Lewis Hamilton wants F1 to stop being a sport ignoring the African continent, as he confided this weekend. This also joins the plans of the FOM, because Liberty Media, in the extension of the calendar, has already said to target in particular Africa.
When fans ask him where he would like to see F1 settle down, the Mercedes driver does not hesitate.
“It’s easy: Africa. “
“It is a place where it is so important to return. Right now, Formula 1 is going to countries and doesn’t leave much behind, if at all. F1 must become a sport that goes to places and leaves behind something that can really help communities. “
“I think bringing attention back to Africa and highlighting the beauty of this continent … this is the most important place we have to go. You have to go where there is more than just money. It concerns people. In business, this is not always the case. This is something that I really advocate. “
Lewis Hamilton confesses that he is concentrating for the most part at the moment on social subjects … at the risk of forgetting F1 a little too much?
“It’s a really weird time in the world. “
“The biggest challenge in my mind does not necessarily concern the championship. It is not a normal year. Today we see an opportunity for change. My race is to support that. My run is in keeping with inclusion and diversity, pushing for it. That’s why I run. “
“I am fighting for all of you who have no voice, who make as much noise as possible to try to change things. The only way to do that is to be there, to be part of the change from the inside – talking about my industry, motorsport, the auto industry, trying to create a ripple effect which encourages other businesses around the world. This is at the heart of my goal. “
Note that South African GP, the company that is piloting the eventual return of a Grand Prix to Africa, is moreover a structure headed by Jody Scheckter, the former South African champion from 1979 and his nephew Warren. F1 had also taken a step recently towards its return to Africa, with a Fan Festival which was to be organized, last March, in Johannesburg. The coronavirus will have decided otherwise …
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