In a double blow for Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 driver has lost yet another dream opportunity as F1 bosses walked away from the possibility of hosting a race in South Africa.
Hamilton has been a vocal supporter of bringing the sport back to the African continent and had expressed his desire to race there.
However, it has been reported that F1 officials decided against a race at Kyalami due to political reasons.
Reports claimed that South Africa’s alignment with Russia played a role in the decision to axe the potential venue.
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While initial talks for a race had faced financial obstacles, hopes were reignited when sports investment company 777 took over as the promoter.
Nevertheless, the decision to abandon the plans for Kyalami likely means that the Belgian Grand Prix will continue for another season.
The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit had been under threat, with organisers granting it only a one-year extension last season.
Kyalami, on the other hand, last hosted a Grand Prix 30 years ago, with Nigel Mansell emerging victorious in 1993.
Earlier this season, Hamilton had revealed his active involvement in campaigning for a race in South Africa. The Mercedes driver expressed his conversations with F1 bosses, aiming to “make the race happen” and fulfil his longstanding desire to connect with fans on the African continent.
Hamilton spoke about the significance of racing in South Africa, calling it a “huge dream” for him and acknowledging his substantial following there.
“Yeah I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa and that’s what I’m pushing for in the background so hopefully you’ll see that come to light soon as well,” Hamilton told ESPN earlier this season.
“It’s a real big dream for me to race in South Africa, and race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me.
“I know I have a big following out there and I know a lot of people are into Formula One now there so I’m pushing as hard as I can in the background and I’m going high up to make sure we have that race happen.”
The setback comes shortly after Hamilton appeared to quash rumours of a potential move to Ferrari, thereby relinquishing another ambition in his F1 career.
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Despite previously stating that driving for Ferrari would be a “dream position,” the seven-time champion indicated his intention to sign a new contract extension with Mercedes.
Refusing to indulge in speculation about a £40 million move to the Scuderia, Hamilton reaffirmed his loyalty to the Silver Arrows and hinted at ongoing talks with team principal Toto Wolff.
Following the race, Hamilton confirmed that while he had not finalised any agreements, he was scheduled to meet with Wolff to discuss the contract extension early in the week. Fans eagerly await the outcome of these discussions as Hamilton continues to shape his future in the sport.