Formula 1 delays African Grand Prix comeback as talks with South Africa, Rwanda, and Morocco stall amid political and logistical hurdles.
Stefano Domenicali has ruled out the possibility of Formula 1 ending a three-decade absence from Africa in the near future, despite ongoing discussions with three countries.
The last F1 race on the continent took place in 1993 at the iconic Kyalami circuit, located north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Several attempts have since been made to revive the race, all without success.
A deal appeared feasible in 2023, but it ultimately collapsed due to political reasons.
Kyalami currently holds an FIA Grade 2 classification and would need to be upgraded to Grade 1 to host a Grand Prix. A street race in Cape Town has also been proposed as a potential venue.
During last year’s FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, President Paul Kagame officially submitted a bid for his country to host a race. Morocco has also been mentioned as a third possible host nation.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his intention to continue racing until a Grand Prix is held in Africa.
However, Hamilton may have to wait a little longer before seeing that ambition fulfilled.
As discussions continue and the involved countries’ stakeholders work to promote their respective proposals, the venue and deal must align with the interests of all parties.
“We’re making progress,” Domenicali stated in Monaco.
“We’re working together to find the best solution.”
“As always, when a new opportunity or possibility arises, we have to ensure the project fits within a long-term vision. We cannot enter a new country without a long-term commitment.”
“That’s why we’re continuing our discussions regarding three destinations in Africa. To be completely honest, I don’t believe we’ll reach a resolution in the very short term.”
“But I can guarantee you this is, as you know, a priority for us, because we’re missing a continent and we want to connect with it. It’s about finding the right plan and, hopefully, we’ll soon be able to update you on this project.”
The delays in Africa could come as welcome news to the organizers of the upcoming 2025 Grand Prix in Barcelona, who are increasingly concerned as Madrid is set to take over the official title of Spanish Grand Prix from 2026—the final year of Circuit de Catalunya’s current F1 contract.
At the heart of negotiations for a new deal is regional Trade Minister Miquel Samper, who also serves as president of the Barcelona Formula 1 circuit.
“Negotiations are going very well and making progress.”
“That’s the reality, but it means absolutely nothing. These kinds of negotiations, with so many interests involved and so many circuits vying to host a Grand Prix, demand the utmost discretion—just as was the case when we secured the agreement with MotoGP and Dorna.”
Samper concluded by acknowledging “increased competition from cities, not just Madrid, that want to host a Grand Prix.”
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