Formula 1 returns: Morocco is applying for Grand Prix!

Formula 1 returns: Morocco is applying for Grand Prix!

Kyalami, Südafrika - The return of Formula 1 to Africa takes concrete forms. As Laola1 have reported both Morocco and South Africa and Rwanda. To carry the Formula 1 race. While South Africa was a top candidate for a long time, bureaucratic and financial challenges in the host in Kyalami must be overcome.

The last F1 race on the African continent took place in Kyalami in 1993, and since then there have been many efforts to bring Formula 1 back. In Morocco, the application for a new Grand Prix has already been specified. The plans for the project have a volume of $ 1.2 billion and are 20 kilometers south of Tanger. Not only a Formula 1 race should take place here, but also other motorsport events, such as WEC and MotoGP races, are planned.

The way to Morocco

The Moroccan project, like a “mini-abu-dhabi”, is to focus on tourism and leisure management. Under the direction of Eric Boullier, a former team boss of McLaren and Lotus, $ 800 million are already secured in private investments. The aim of the project is to create 10,000 jobs. The construction period is expected to take around three years, with the next steps include approval and the completion of the financial model.

The last Formula 1 race in Morocco took place in Casablanca in 1958. Boullier is optimistic that Morocco fulfills the best prerequisites for starting a Grand Prix, although the country is currently behind the applications from South Africa and Rwanda.

South Africa as a competitor

In South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture, launched a Formula 1-Bid Steering Committee in order to implement the return of Formula 1 in Kyalami at short notice. An issue is planned from 2026 or 2027. The committee, which is under the direction of Bakang Lethoko, is supported by members from motorsport, the radio industry and the economy. McKenzie emphasizes the strategic importance of these efforts to promote tourism and the creation of jobs in South Africa. He also recognized Rwanda's interest in the execution of a race and underlined that both countries could possibly organize races together.

The Kyalami racing distance management reports that the route is currently 90 % ready for possible certification and that the necessary adjustments should be completed by the end of next year. Lewis Hamilton has already expressed his interest in driving in South Africa, which further strengthens the national support for the project.

historical context

A look at the history of Formula 1 in Africa shows that only two African countries have held F1 races in the past: Morocco and South Africa. The first Formula 1 race according to modern regulations took place in 1957 and Morocco was hosting his first and only Grand Prix in 1958. South Africa, on the other hand, was regular venue from 1962 to 1993 before financial and political problems prevented a sequel. The recent efforts to return to Formula 1 to Africa are part of a larger plan to expand the sport globally. Managing Director Stefano Domenicali is currently talking to those responsible in Rwanda to discuss possible future races in the east of Africa.

The return of Formula 1 to Africa is viewed by many as a big step for the continent and motorsport. Jody Scheckter is the only African world champion in the history of Formula 1 an important figure, while the commitments of drivers such as Hamilton and others further increase the anticipation for possible races in the future.