Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has called for Africa to liberate itself from the control of Britain, France, Spain and other nations to reclaim its natural wealth. The experienced driver also expressed his wish to witness the sport's comeback to the continent prior to his retirement.

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, as the 2026 season commences in Melbourne this weekend, Hamilton was questioned by a South African journalist regarding the possibility of a race in Africa.

The seven-time world champion seized the moment to express his ambition for such an event. However, the 41-year-old also voiced concerns about what he perceived as ongoing exploitation of the continent.

"I think it is the most beautiful part of the world, and I don't like that the rest of the world owns so much of it and takes so much from it and no one speaks about it," he stated.

"I'm really hoping that the people that are running those different countries all unite and come together and take Africa back. That's what I want to see.

"Take it back from the French, take it back from the Spanish, take it back from the Portuguese and the British. It's so important for the future of that continent.

"They have all the resources to be the greatest and most powerful place in the world, and that's probably why they are being controlled the way they are. But anyways, move on."

Hamilton is eager to witness racing's return to Africa, with no Grand Prix being staged on the continent since 1993. On that occasion, the South African Grand Prix occurred at Kyalami.

"There's one on every other continent, why not Africa?" he queried. "I know they [F1] are really trying. I think they've been to quite a few different countries.

"The ones that I've enjoyed the most: I loved Kenya. [But] I don't think we're going to have a grand prix in Kenya. Rwanda was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live.

"South Africa is stunning. I think those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to."

The sporting legend is eager for Africa to feature on Formula 1's schedule before his retirement. Hamilton disclosed that he is pressuring Formula 1's decision-makers as his time dwindles.

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"I don't want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them: 'When is it going to be?'" he stated.

"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, because that would be amazing, given that I'm half-African.

"I've got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin. I went to visit Benin last year, Senegal and Nigeria. It's something I'm really, really proud of. I'm really proud of that part of the world."