Lewis Hamilton hints at updated retirement timeline after major F1 decision

Lewis Hamilton has suggested he will continue to race in F1 until at least the sport makes its return to Africa.

F1 confirmed last week that it will return to the African continent in the early 2030s, with Rwanda joining the calendar for the first time.

Hamilton has long battled for an African event on the schedule, with the region last hosting a race in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa.

Should Rwanda join the calendar in 2030 at the earliest, Hamilton will be 45 years of age and entering his 24th F1 campaign.

But the seven-time champion insists he is determined to do so, stating he will work to ensure he can still compete at a high level over the coming years.

"I'm now forced to have to stay longer because we have a race in Africa, that's been my dream to be able to race in Africa," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.

"I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can.

"If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we'll keep it going."

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Hamilton had 'countless meetings' to ensure African return

Rwanda was one of several locations in Africa that voiced interest in joining the F1 schedule in recent years.

Hamilton highlighted that he played his part in getting the continent back on the calendar, having had many meetings with key personnel.

"I've been advocating for a race in Africa for many, many, many years.

"Countless meetings with the stakeholders, so many meetings with Stefano at his office in London, but also at race weekends.

"Countless calls. 'What's happening? Where are we going? Who are we meeting with?' Many meetings with different presidents from different countries.

"Lots of phone calls with different presidents from different countries within Africa.

"For me, it's a place that deserves to have a grand prix. It's more about it's more than just about one country.

"It's about the continent in itself, and there are so many beautiful countries within it, and the people are so lovely.

"The culture is so rich, and I think it's important that we get to show that to the world, and we get to do that with our sport."