Towards Africa
It now seems increasingly clear: after having expanded strongly into the Middle East and the United States, the new frontier for Formula 1 – even if on a medium to long-term basis – could be Africa, which at the moment is the only continent not hosting a Grand Prix. Initially it was Rwanda that tried to take steps to secure a race on its territory; then came South Africa – which was the venue of the last African Grand Prix back in 1993 – and has for several years been working with determination to bring Formula 1 cars back to the historic Kyalami circuit, which has since been renovated. The country located at the southern tip of the African continent currently appears to be the favorite, but there is still no confirmed date for when such a race might take place and, in the meantime, a new competitor is emerging.
Indeed, recent news confirms that Nigeria has now joined the list of nations aiming to bring Formula 1 back to Africa. The Nigerian bid is being promoted, among others, by someone who knows the world of sports well, although in a completely different context: former footballer Marvin Sordell, who during his career also made appearances in the English Premier League, is now co-chief executive officer of Opus Race Promotions. This recently founded company is working on a proposal that currently has the “initial support” of the Nigerian government. In addition to a circuit in Abuja, the capital city, the project also foresees the construction of a karting track, hotels, a technology hub and a museum dedicated to motorsport, alongside other infrastructure developments.
The Nigerian bid
According to the British newspaper The Times, in April the promoter was invited to Nigeria to present the project for a Formula 1 race and held a meeting with Shehu Dikko, president of the National Sports Commission. A month later, Opus Race Promotions was officially appointed to negotiate with Formula 1 and the FIA on behalf of the Nigerian government. Formula 1’s chief executive officer, Stefano Domenicali, has also been invited by the promoter to visit Abuja and examine the proposal in detail.
Shehu Dikko explained that Nigeria is evaluating all possibilities to host Formula 1 as soon as possible, not only as a sporting event but as a catalyst for tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, economic growth and ultimately soft power for Nigeria. According to Dikko, this vision reflects the renewed hope and shared prosperity advocated by the country’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, it still appears unlikely that anything concrete could happen before 2028, when – in terms of new calendar additions – Thailand is expected to join the Formula 1 World Championship with a new street circuit to be built in the capital, Bangkok.
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