Hamilton calls for Palestine and DR Congo freedom as Rwanda takes F1 spotlight

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has renewed his call for freedom for Palestine, using the spotlight of Rwanda's controversial new grand prix to speak out for people in conflict zones.

Speaking before Sunday's United States Grand Prix, the 41-year-old Ferrari driver — the only Black competitor in the sport — said: “I think we need to make sure we're pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine.” He added: “There's a lot of peace that I'm hoping we get to at some stage.”

Hamilton has long called for a Gaza ceasefire, and his comments come as human rights campaigners at Amnesty International accused Formula One of hollow words over its human rights commitments.

Formula One's decision to award a race to Rwanda — bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time since 1993, in the early 2030s — has drawn sharp criticism. Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has been accused of repressive methods to hold onto power, and neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo joined the condemnation of the decision.

“Of course, I don't get to choose where we go,” Hamilton said. “Of course, going there doesn't mean that you neglect the things that are happening there.” He argued that many of Africa's problems were “still results of colonialism and the West intervening”.

For Hamilton, an African race has long been a dream — one that could extend his career. The Ferrari driver, who turns 42 in January and is contracted for 2027, said the prospect of racing in Africa would keep him pushing to stay fit and competitive.