Formula 1 is actively working to bring a Grand Prix back to Africa, although the plans are far from straightforward and require patience, long-term vision and major investment.
Africa: the only missing continent
In recent months, there has been growing discussion about a potential return of Formula 1 to the African continent, which has been absent from the calendar since 1993, the year the last South African Grand Prix was held at the Kyalami circuit. South Africa currently appears to be one of the strongest candidates to welcome the Circus back, alongside another country such as Rwanda, which has never previously been part of the Formula 1 world.
Fans themselves would like to see Formula 1 represented on all continents, while at the same time respecting the current limit of 24 races on the calendar. Africa therefore remains the only continent not currently hosting a Grand Prix, making its potential return both symbolically and strategically significant for the sport.
Nothing is simple
However, the work required to bring the Circus to a new continent involves many years of preparation and development, as reiterated by Louise Young, Formula 1’s race promotion director. Speaking to the Financial Times, she underlined the scale of the challenge:
“These are megaprojects,” she explained. “They require huge investments, but on the other hand they are generating phenomenal economic returns. These are projects that support supply chains, communities and local economies. In many cases, they are the most important events that take place in those countries or cities, and they are closely linked to the time of year in which they are scheduled.”
Young’s comments highlight how hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix goes far beyond the race weekend itself, involving infrastructure, logistics, tourism and long-term economic planning.
24 Grands Prix at most
In addition, Young reiterated that, despite the general desire to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, such an event would not represent a 25th race on the calendar, as the maximum number of Grands Prix has already been set at 24.
“We think that 24 is the right number of events for us, for the teams, and for the quality of our product,” she added. “We do not foresee growth in the promoters’ business necessarily coming from a higher number of events. We see growth linked to optimisation and changes to the calendar.
“It has been suggested that in the future there could be some rotation, perhaps also to rationalise our presence in Europe. We hope to add maybe another destination in Asia. There are several prospects in Africa; we hope to find a partner who can guarantee a stable, long-term presence.”
The message from Formula 1 is therefore clear: Africa remains firmly on the radar, but any return to the continent will be the result of careful planning, sustainable partnerships and a long-term commitment rather than a quick expansion of the calendar.
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