F1 CEO on Africa’s Potential to Host a Grand Prix

Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has shed light on the championship’s plans to introduce a race in Africa, emphasizing that while efforts are ongoing, certain guarantees are still lacking. The aim is to race on all six permanently inhabited continents for the first time since 1993.

Rwanda and South Africa: Potential Hosts for African Grand Prix

Countries like Rwanda and South Africa have shown interest in hosting a Formula 1 race. Rwanda is planning to hold a race near its capital, Kigali, close to the under-construction Bugesera International Airport. South Africa’s governmental department for culture and sport has also opened up a tender to promote a grand prix within the country.

The leading contenders are believed to be a return to Kyalami, which hosted the 1993 South African Grand Prix before Africa’s absence from the calendar, and a street circuit around Cape Town’s Green Point district, utilizing elements from its Formula E race in 2023.

Despite these plans being in their initial stages, Domenicali clarified that F1’s desire to host an African race is not on hold but requires guarantees in three critical areas: community investment, infrastructure development, and a sustainable economic base.

Key Guarantees for Africa’s Grand Prix Debut

Domenicali emphasized the need for investments that benefit the local community beyond F1’s presence, robust infrastructure (including circuits, hotels, roads, and airports), and an economic foundation capable of supporting the event long-term.

He confirmed that if an African nation were to host a grand prix, it would still be part of a 24-race calendar, with Domenicali stating that this was the maximum number of races he would sanction.

F1’s Promotional Model and Economic Impact in Las Vegas

One strategy for ensuring an African race could be for F1 to plan and promote the event itself, as it did with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Domenicali highlighted that F1’s promotional model has been successful in terms of economic impact on the area. He believes there is more potential for growth, particularly to ensure the race recoups investments already made into it.

The Las Vegas GP, now fully under central management, has had a significant economic impact over the past two years, surpassing the Super Bowl in terms of financial benefits for the local community. Domenicali stressed the importance of continued investment and belief in the project to capitalize on the U.S.’s untapped growth potential.