The Race To Bring The Formula 1 Grand Prix Back To Africa

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 27: Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 on track … [+] during the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Africa’s absence from the Formula 1 calendar for over three decades has created a significant gap in the sport’s global presence. While Europe, Asia, and North America each host multiple Grand Prix events, Africa has not had representation. However, as the continent showcases its capability to host world-class events, the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back to Africa is becoming increasingly realistic.

South Africa, with its rich motorsport heritage and the famous Kyalami circuit, is a strong contender in this pursuit. Recent proposals from Cape Town, including an exciting street race set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, enhance its appeal. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art F1 circuit near Kigali demonstrate a bold and innovative approach to hosting major sporting events.

This article explores the exciting developments in both countries and highlights the potential for Africa to host multiple Grand Prix events. It also examines the broader implications of Formula 1’s return to the continent, including its impact on tourism, infrastructure, and Africa’s growing stature in the global sports arena.

South Africa’s Plans: Cape Town Joins the Race

South Africa is making a strong push to bring Formula 1 back to the country, featuring exciting proposals from both Cape Town and the historic Kyalami circuit. The Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA) is preparing to submit a formal bid to South Africa’s Bid Steering Committee (BSC). Their vision includes hosting a spectacular F1 street race in the Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct, showcasing a 5.7 km circuit that winds around the iconic DHL Stadium.

A general view of Devils Peak (L), Table Mountain and the city center (C), and Lions Head (R) in … [+] Cape Town on June 13, 2024. (Photo by Wikus de Wet / AFP) (Photo by WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Cape Town’s appeal as a host city is undeniable. Named the Best City in the World for 2025 by Time Out, it ranks ahead of global powerhouses like Bangkok, New York, and London. The city’s natural beauty, highlighted by Table Mountain—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—provides a stunning backdrop, making it an ideal location for a premier F1 event.

Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has also been a strong advocate for the return of Formula 1 to South Africa, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to rejoining the global motorsport calendar.

Kyalami’s Historic Legacy

Ricardo Patrese, Nelson Piquet, Andrea de Adamich, Grand Prix of South Africa, Kyalami, 15 October … [+] 1983. (Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)

Getty Images

While Cape Town offers an exciting new option, Kyalami remains a frontrunner in South Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions. The circuit last hosted the South African Grand Prix in 1993 and has a rich history in Formula 1, having first joined the championship calendar in 1967. Over the years, Kyalami has hosted a total of 21 races.

To regain its spot in Formula 1, Kyalami needs to upgrade its facilities to meet FIA Grade 1 standards. The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) has already begun a tender process to find a capable promoter for a ten-year partnership, highlighting the government’s long-term commitment to this project.

Rwanda: A Rising Contender

Rwanda, meanwhile, is charting a bold new path in motorsport. In December, President Paul Kagame announced the nation’s bid to host a Formula 1 race. A key component of this initiative is the planned construction of a new F1 circuit near Bugesera Airport, located 40 kilometers from Kigali. The track, designed by former Grand Prix driver Alexander Wurz, aims to meet the highest international standards and is expected to be completed by 2026.Rwanda’s rising prominence in motorsport was highlighted last year when it hosted the Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. This event showcased the city’s readiness and underscored Africa’s growing influence in the global motorsport arena.

KIGALI, RWANDA – DECEMBER 13: In this handout provided by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile … [+] (FIA), Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren receives the F1 2nd position award during the FIA Awards 2024 on December 13, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. (Photo by Handout/FIA/DPPI via Getty Images )

FIA/DPPI via Getty Images

Rwanda’s rising prominence in motorsport was highlighted last year when it hosted the Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. This event showcased the city’s readiness and underscored Africa’s growing influence in the global motorsport arena.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: A detailed view of the Visit Rwanda logo on a sleeve of a match shirt … [+] in the Arsenal dressing room prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The country’s dedication to improving infrastructure is further exemplified by the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, which now features a 45,000-seat capacity and is approved by FIFA and CAF. This development reflects Rwanda’s capability to provide world-class facilities.

Furthermore, Rwanda’s innovative approach to using sports to promote tourism enhances its appeal. Collaborations with prominent football clubs such as Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich have already improved its international profile, and the upcoming F1 circuit is set to further establish Rwanda as a premier destination.

Africa’s Sports Hosting Momentum

The argument for Formula 1’s return to Africa is further supported by several upcoming major sporting events on the continent. Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second African nation to do so, following South Africa’s successful hosting of the tournament in 2010. Additionally, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will mark the first time an Olympic event is held on African soil.

South Africa has a rich history of hosting significant sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. These achievements highlight the continent’s ability to successfully host globally recognized events that captivate audiences worldwide.

A Future Worth Racing Towards

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 04: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) … [+] Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 waves to the crowd during the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Lars Baron – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Formula 1 via Getty Images

F1 has confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix will be removed from the calendar after 2026, creating a potential opportunity for a new race in 2027. This timeline gives both South Africa and Rwanda a crucial window to finalize their bids and demonstrate their readiness to host a Grand Prix.

Whether it’s a historic return to Kyalami, an exciting debut in Cape Town, or a bold new venture in Kigali, the race to bring motorsport back to Africa marks an exciting new chapter for the continent. With its rich heritage, ambitious plans, and growing influence, Africa is more than ready to reclaim its place in the world of Formula 1.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}