Africa aims for Formula 1 calendar spot as a new country joins the race. Morocco joins Africa's push for a Formula 1 Grand Prix with an ambitious project.

F1 continues to look at Africa with interest, and Morocco could become the next major target. Leading this ambitious project is Eric Boullier, former team principal of McLaren and Lotus, as well as director of the French Grand Prix during its final years on the calendar, from 2018 to 2022.

Contacted in December 2023 to explore the possibility of a GP in Morocco, Boullier does not hide the challenges: “It’s a risky gamble.” However, he is convinced that if the project succeeds, it would perfectly reflect what Formula 1 is looking for in Africa.

An ecosystem modeled after Abu Dhabi
Boullier explained, in a recent exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, that with his French GP team still active, a feasibility study was conducted in the area south of Tangier. “The site identified meets all the required criteria. From there, we began building the project,” he stated. The idea is to create a true “mini-Abu Dhabi,” an independent ecosystem based on tourism, with new infrastructure including hotels and an airport less than 15 kilometers from the circuit.

“It’s a strategic project for the country. Serious, concrete. But it needs approval at the highest levels. If it comes, it would perfectly match F1’s ambitions in Africa,” Boullier added.

However, gaining political approval is not the only hurdle. Boullier highlighted that the financial model still needs to be finalized and the necessary investments secured. Only then will it be possible to start negotiations with Liberty Media and Stefano Domenicali. “F1 wants Africa, and Africa must be represented in F1. It’s a natural pairing, but the road ahead is still long.”

A circuit layout has already been conceived, but collaboration with a specialized architect will be needed to meet FIA requirements. Although behind South Africa and Rwanda in the pecking order, the Moroccan project is considered by Boullier as “a more suitable proposal” for hosting the World Championship.

Caution remains high. “Without government approval, the project doesn’t exist. It remains only on paper,” the Frenchman stated. But if everything goes ahead, construction of the circuit and infrastructure could be completed within three years.

Morocco’s race toward F1 is only just beginning, but with such an ambitious project and an experienced figure like Eric Boullier at the helm, it could soon turn from dream to reality.