The return of Formula 1 to Africa seems to be taking increasingly concrete shape. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali speaks of ‘very good’ negotiations about a Grand Prix on the continent. A comeback at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa is the most likely, thanks to the rich history and the fact that the organization has received approval to make the necessary adjustments for an F1 license.
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Formula 1 last raced in Africa in 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami. Since then, the continent has been absent from the calendar. A return to Kyalami has been a topic of discussion for some time, while Morocco and Rwanda are also mentioned as possible new host countries. Lewis Hamilton previously stated that he wants to remain active until Formula 1 races in Africa again.
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“I think I can say that the negotiations in Africa are going very well,” Domenicali recently responded to the international press. The demand for a home Grand Prix is greater than ever, and with a limited number of spots on the calendar, the premier class is forced to make choices. “Next year we are back in Portugal, back in Turkey, and we are in talks with countries in South America; we also have talks in the Far East,” Domenicali listed.
There is especially a lot of interest in extra races in Asia. The popularity of Formula 1 in Asia has grown significantly in recent years, making the continent an important market for the premier class. “I can assure you that there are multiple requests for a second race in China and Japan, but for now we want to keep it to one Grand Prix. We first need to gain more ground in that market before we consider new options.” The F1 calendar will undergo major changes in the coming years. Turkey and Portugal have signed new contracts, while Barcelona-Catalunya and Spa-Francorchamps will now alternate on the calendar.
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