2023-11-23 10:58:26
Formula 1 goes around the world, at least almost. Since 1993, Formula 1 has not traveled to Africa to organize Grand Prix. The last race organized on the original continent took place in South Africa, on the Kyalami circuit, where Alain Prost won the last South African Grand Prix.
Since that time, F1 has evolved a lot. This motorsport has modernized, diversified and opened up to another audience. Now, it is the Gulf countries and the United States that organize the majority of events, unlike Europe in the 90s. In 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix took place, a year after the arrival of Miami. Now, three races are taking place on the new continent, while the FIA is studying the possibility of expanding to New York, according to indications from Chase Carey, the non-executive president of F1.
Enough racing on the American continent
The United States represents a new market for Liberty Media, and the company understands it well. Formula 1 is trying to adapt to the country with so-called “American-style” ceremonies and the addition of new races. However, drivers do not want to see more races on American soil. “It’s not my job to decide how many races there will be in the United States, but we certainly don’t need more”said Lewis Hamilton. “We definitely don’t need any more racing there. »
The British driver expressed the wish that Formula 1 returns to Africa, 30 years later. “We have one race left that we need and that would be Africa”explained the six-time World Champion. “We have all the other continents, so why not there? I am working so that this continent can return to the championship. »
Two potential candidates
A Grand Prix in South Africa could have made its return in 2023. The contract for the Belgian Grand Prix was coming to an end, and negotiations between those responsible had begun to bring Formula 1 back to Africa. However, discussions have been interrupted, especially with the extension of Spa-Francorchamps until at least 2025. In addition, Jody Scheckter, world champion in 1979, explained that “conflicts of interest” hindered the return of the race on this year’s calendar. If the South African Grand Prix were to return, it would likely happen after the contract with the Belgian circuit ends.
Morocco could also be among the potential candidates. In 2022, an FIA delegation came to do reconnaissance on the new Sidi Daoui circuit. The directors are working on the approval of the route and, above all, obtaining grade number 1. If the circuit obtains it, it could apply for a place on the calendar. A race already took place in Morocco in 1958, during the 3rd edition of the championship.
The 1992 and 1993 seasons are the only championships in history to have taken place on all 5 continents, Antarctica and the Arctic being excluded.
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