Lewis Hamilton names Kenya among his favourite African destinations

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has sparked conversation across Africa after praising several countries on the continent and revealing that Kenya is among the places he loved during his travels.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Formula One season opener in Melbourne, the British driver reflected on his growing connection to Africa and renewed his long-standing campaign to bring a Grand Prix race back to the continent.

“I’ve been to ten countries now in Africa. There is still so much to see,” Hamilton said, noting that his experiences on the continent have deeply shaped his outlook.

The Ferrari driver, widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors in the history of Formula One, said he has spent years lobbying decision makers behind the scenes to restore Africa to the global racing calendar.

“For the past six years, maybe seven, I’ve been fighting in the background to get a Grand Prix. So, sitting with stakeholders and asking the question, why are we not in Africa? There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa?” Hamilton said.

Hamilton’s remarks also included warm praise for several African destinations that left a strong impression on him during his travels.

“The ones that I’ve enjoyed the most, I loved Kenya,” he said, adding that while the country may not currently have the infrastructure required to host a race, it remains one of his favourite destinations on the continent.

“Obviously, I don’t think we are going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda, particularly, was spectacular. Those are two places I felt like I could live,” Hamilton admitted, before highlighting another nation that captured his attention.

Hamilton also singled out South Africa, which previously hosted Formula One races, describing the country as stunning and suggesting it could be among the strongest candidates for a future Grand Prix.

“Those would be good places for a Grand Prix to potentially go to,” he said.

Africa has not hosted a Formula One race since 1993, when the South African Grand Prix took place at the Kyalami circuit.

Since then, the sport has expanded globally, with races held across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, leaving Africa as the only inhabited continent without a Grand Prix.

Hamilton, who proudly describes himself as half-African, said the absence of a race on the continent remains something he hopes to see corrected before the end of his career.

“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there,” he said.

The driver also spoke passionately about Africa’s potential, calling it one of the most beautiful regions in the world while urging leaders to recognise its value and resources.

He said he thinks it is the most beautiful part of the world.