Lewis Hamilton confirms African roots in Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria, advocating for a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the continent

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his African heritage, citing ancestry in Benin, Senegal, and Nigeria, ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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Hamilton, who joined the Ferrari Formula 1 Team in 2025, used the FIA press conference to reflect on his roots, expressing pride in the continent.

“I’m half African. I’ve got roots from a few different places there. Benin, Senegal, Nigeria. It’s something I’m really proud of, that part of the world,” he said.

The British driver linked his ancestry to his ongoing campaign to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, highlighting the continent’s natural beauty, tourism potential, and untapped fanbase.

He also addressed historical exploitation, saying, “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.”

Hamilton first advocated for an African Grand Prix in 2022, pointing out that Africa last hosted an F1 race in South Africa in 1993.

Behind-the-scenes talks have explored potential races in Rwanda, while plans for a South African GP face delays due to upgrades at the Kyalami Circuit.

Beyond racing, Hamilton uses his platform to amplify African voices and showcase the continent’s economic and cultural significance.

His personal connection reinforces the importance of hosting a Grand Prix in Africa, a mission he has championed for nearly a decade.

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In a separate milestone, Hamilton was recently knighted at 36 for his contribution to sports and global representation of England, an honour presented by Prince Charles.