F1 Rejects Quick Africa Race Plans Amid Talks With Three Nations

F1 will not return to Africa in the near future, even though meetings are ongoing with three potential host countries. The last Formula 1 race held on the continent was in 1993 at Kyalami, just north of Johannesburg.

Since then, several proposals to revive a South African Grand Prix have surfaced but none have become reality. At one point in 2023, a deal for Kyalami almost happened, but political issues caused talks to break down.

The Kyalami circuit now only holds an FIA Grade 2 licence, meaning costly upgrades would be needed before any Grand Prix could take place. Other African countries are also in the mix.

Last year, Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame launched an official bid to host a race during the FIA’s annual event in Kigali. Morocco has also been mentioned as a possible host, although details about talks with their officials have not been disclosed by F1 leadership.

Despite these discussions, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remains cautious. He said recently that all parties want the right plan and a long-term vision if Africa is to return to the F1 schedule.

Domenicali stressed that the events need to provide lasting value and not be a brief stop on the tour. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken about his desire to see F1 go back to Africa, hoping it will happen before his career ends.

Hamilton has said he wants to keep racing until a Grand Prix is run on African soil again, viewing it as vital for the sport’s global reach. Despite his support, there is little indication that a deal is close.

The sport’s leadership has been clear: any decision must benefit the local community and create a sustainable partnership that works for everyone involved. In public statements, Domenicali said progress is being made in discussions with three countries but asked fans not to expect a swift resolution.

He explained that F1 will only commit once there is confidence in the organizers and infrastructure. This includes proving that local circuits can be upgraded to a Grade 1 standard, plus showing a clear long-term plan exists for fans, teams, and the sport. Modern concerns such as effective communication and engagement, including innovations in F1 social media solution, also play a role in these plans.

A new venue must bring excellent organization, strong investment, and a guarantee of future races. F1’s global calendar now features 24 races across regions such as Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, but Africa remains the only continent without a confirmed race.

In the meantime, attention has shifted to Monaco, with Charles Leclerc setting the fastest times and dramatic practice sessions involving both Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. Standings remain tight at the top: Oscar Piastri leads with 146 points for McLaren, followed by teammate Lando Norris at 133 and Max Verstappen at 124 for Red Bull.

The next steps for an African Grand Prix depend on finding suitable investment, upgrading facilities, and signing a deal that makes sense for all sides. New bids may continue to appear, but for now, Africa’s three-decade F1 wait looks set to continue.

Any official update from F1 leadership will likely rely on partnership agreements and meeting strict FIA requirements in the months or years ahead.