Lewis Hamilton recently shared highlights from his summer trip across Africa, reflecting on the profound impact it had on him. The seven-time Formula 1 champion embarked on this journey during the F1 summer break, starting in Morocco. Through his social media, he documented the experience, expressing how it helped him find peace and clarity ahead of the upcoming races.
“For a second year, I’m so fortunate to travel through Africa during the break,” Hamilton posted on Instagram. “The first time around I was overwhelmed by just how beautiful and healing this world can be, and this trip is no different. Just like last time, I’m feeling more and more re-centered and at peace as the days go by. Morocco was the first stop, words can’t describe the experience, hopefully photos come close. Still so much to see and learn, see you in the next.”
Hamilton’s travels included a significant stop in Senegal, where he visited Gorée Island, a historical site known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. This visit left a lasting impression on him, emphasizing the importance of understanding and honoring history.
“Next stop is Senegal. This was a very surreal part of the trip. I visited Gorée island, which was the largest slave-trading site on the African coast for centuries. This was so heavy. You can’t even imagine the horrors faced by the people who were taken from their homelands and sold for hundreds of years. The millions of people who died at sea. I really feel the weight of it. It’s so important to learn our history and to honour the people we come from and live for them. Thank you, Senegal. Everyone I met here was amazing and I definitely need to come back. Can’t recommend it enough.”
He also took time to meet with refugees in Mozambique, where he witnessed the resilience of those displaced by conflict and natural disasters. Hamilton highlighted the strength of the individuals he met and the critical work being done to support them.
“Grateful for the opportunity to meet with refugees living in Maratane Refugee Settlement in northern Mozambique. The country is home to more than 710,000 displaced people, including 25,000 refugees. Being able to meet some of these people is not an experience I take lightly. Whether they’ve been displaced due to conflict or natural disasters, they strive for themselves, their families, and their histories every day. “The strength, spirit, and resilience of the people I met will stick with me for the rest of my life, as will the compassion of those working on the ground to defend and protect their lives every day. All of our lives are connected, and we share everything. Joy and pain, triumph and struggle. Our support for one another has to extend globally.
As he prepares to return to racing, Hamilton’s journey serves as a reminder of the connections we share globally and the importance of compassion and support for one another.
