Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he’s “pushing” behind-the-scenes for a return of the South African Grand Prix, with the 38-year-old having played a role in getting Formula 1 to go to Miami.
F1 is in Miami this weekend for the second running of the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome, which is situated around the Hard Rock Stadium.
The pinnacle of motorsport racing in Miami meant a big deal to Hamilton, who’s focus now is on getting Africa back on the calendar.
South Africa last hosted a race on the continent in 1993 at Kyalami, a circuit which is looking increasingly likely to host a Grand Prix in the near future.
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The sport has also expressed their intent on having the championship return to Africa, given that it’s the only continent capable of hosting a race, which doesn’t.
Supposedly, there were talks for the sport to return to South Africa this year, only for the South African government to show a lack of support over the event, due to the cost of improving the safety standards of Kyalami.
Hamilton refuses to give up on racing in Africa, though, with the 38-year-old recognising it as a “huge dream for me”.
The Mercedes driver is certain that the event “would be amazing” and that the sport is already has a “”big following out there”, hence why he’s talking to the governing body about getting F1 back in South Africa as soon as possible.
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“I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa,” Hamilton told ESPN.
“That’s what I’m pushing for in the background. Hopefully, you’ll see that come to light soon as well. And that’s a real big dream for me. To have raced in Africa during my career is a huge, huge dream for me.
“I know we have a big following out there, well, I have a big following out there, and I know a lot of people are into Formula 1 now there. That would be amazing because just imagine the work we can be doing [with sponsor IWC] when we’re in South Africa.”