F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton wants to compete in South Africa

Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday welcomed the sport's expansion in the United States but called also for a return to South Africa.

Formula One last raced at the Kyalami circuit, north of Johannesburg, in 1993 but there have been talks about a return. Chloe Targett-Adams, the sport's head of race promotion, said in February that racing in Africa was a priority. Miami is meanwhile scheduled to become the second U.S. race next year, along with Austin, Texas, and there has been talking of an eventual third Grand Prix in Las Vegas.

"The place that I really feel is dear to my heart and most important for me is to get a race back in South Africa," F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton told reporters at Austin's Circuit of the Americas ahead of Sunday's Grand Prix. I think there's a great following out there and it would be great to be able to highlight just how beautiful the motherland is," added the sport's only Black driver.

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