Verstappen wants an African race in F1 schedule

Not only Verstappen desires the inclusion of an African race in the Formula One schedule, however, it’s unlikely to occur until 2024 at the soonest.

It has been 28 years since Formula One held a race in Africa, the last being the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami Circuit in 1993. Despite this, two-time F1 world champion and Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen, believes it’s necessary for a race to be held in Africa once again.

Recently, The F1Lead participated in a roundtable discussion with Max Verstappen at the unveiling of Red Bull’s 2023 Formula One season car. During the conversation, Verstappen emphasized his wish for Formula One to return to Africa.

“I think it’s important to have a race in Africa. We are present in almost every other continent, so I consider it the next step for Formula One. There is a rich history in Africa, such as the South African Grand Prix, and it would be a fantastic addition,” Verstappen stated.

This isn’t the first occasion that Verstappen has discussed the return of Formula One to Africa, he previously brought it up in an interview with LADbible the previous year. Furthermore, he isn’t the only driver who desires a race in Africa, as seven-time Formula One world champion and Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, expressed his wish for South Africa to be reinstated on the calendar for 2023.

Sadly, an African Grand Prix wasn’t included in the 2023 schedule, though it could take place in 2024. In an interview with Sky Sports, F1 President Stefano Domenicali revealed that Kyalami was under consideration for the 2023 season but didn’t come to fruition. Despite this, he hinted that an African Grand Prix could occur in the near future.

“Bringing Africa back to our calendar is a clear goal, and we hope it will happen soon,” Domenicali stated to Sky Sports.

It’s probable that Kyalami could return to the Formula One calendar in 2024, however, it isn’t the sole potential African Grand Prix. According to Domenicali, various other races in Africa are being evaluated. Whichever circuit is picked, it needs to have the ability to host repeated races, not just a one-time event.

South Africa has a rich heritage in motorsports, with its first Grand Prix taking place in 1934 on the Prince George Circuit road course. After World War II, the first race was held at Prince George Circuit in 1962 and continued until 1966. In 1967, Kyalami Circuit became the host of the South African Grand Prix, which continued until 1985. Formula One returned to Kyalami for the 1992 and 1993 seasons, but has not returned since.

You may like – Formula 1 drivers went on strike

Verstappen and Hamilton are correct, it would be fantastic to see Formula One make a return to Africa, whether it’s at Kyalami or a different venue. It is hoped that this will take place in 2024 or as soon as possible.

Verstappen wants an African race in F1 schedule Verstappen wants an African race in F1 schedule

You may like – Williams F1 Racing 2023 – A Long To-Do List Ahead

Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  for all the latest updates between issues.