Lewis Hamilton has already extended his Formula 1 career longer than he originally indicated he would: the 41-year-old famously said earlier in his career he wouldn’t still be racing in his forties.

How much longer is he prepared to go? Will he carry on as far as Fernando Alonso, whose new contract will keep him in the cockpit beyond his 46th birthday?

Hamilton suggested as much today when discussing F1’s forthcoming new race in Rwanda. “I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” he said.

F1 has not confirmed exactly when its first race in Rwanda will take place. It stated the race will join the calendar some time in the “early 2030s”.

Hamilton will turn 45 on January 7th, 2030. If he’s going to be on the grid for F1’s long-awaited return to Africa, he’ll be in his mid-forties.

“Free Congo!”: Hamilton welcomes F1’s return to Africa, with reservations over Rwanda

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