Lewis Hamilton's 'pushing in background', abandoned race plans, Max Verstappen statement

After more than 30 years without the roar of Formula 1 engines on an African racetrack, Lewis Hamilton might see his 'dream' come true. South Africa and Rwanda are vying to secure a spot on the 2027 F1 calendar and become the first African hosts of a Grand Prix since 1993.

The South African Grand Prix used to be a staple in the F1 season, running 21 races over nearly three decades up until the early '90s. Yet, due to political and economic issues in the mid-'90s, South Africa found itself unable to afford hosting privileges.

Now, there's a chance for a revival as F1 leaders look to spread their wings into Africa. Here, Record Sport examines how we got here, what's on offer, Hamilton's behind-the-scenes role, and Max Verstappen's view on it all.

For some time now, seven-time world champion Hamilton has been advocating for F1's return to Africa. Speaking to ESPN, he revealed he'd been "pushing" the powers that be to make it happen and described racing on the continent as "a huge dream" of his.

"I've been talking about South Africa and that's what I'm pushing for in the background so hopefully you'll see that come to light soon," he said back in May 2023. "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 1 now there so I'm pushing as hard as I can in the background. I'm going high up to make sure we have that race happen."

Hamilton's father, Anthony, is of Afro-Grenadian descent, and while Hamilton himself was born and raised in England, he's travelled several times to Africa in order to connect with his distant roots. "It was one of, if not the most, special experience for