28 March 2022
Last update on Monday, March 28, 2022 At 9:26 AM
The interest generated by the last Grand Prix of 2021 in Formula 1 has revived interest in the competition to return to Africa. Until 1993, South Africa was a regular stopover.
Formula 1 could soon return to Africa. This is what Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, suggests. Asked by Sky Sports UK, he confirmed that new destinations were being studied for the competition, including Africa.
A few years ago, Africa was a regular stop on the Formula 1 circuit. The continent first hosted a Grand Prix in 1958, in Casablanca, Morocco. In 1962, South Africa hosted its first race in East London, then Kyalami between 1967 and 1993.
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton recently said he wanted to see a Grand Prix held in Africa. Formula 1’s global racing promotion manager Chloe Targett-Adams replied that returning to Africa was a priority.
“I totally agree with Lewis, Africa is a continent we don’t race on, and that’s just a shame. It’s a place we really want to [visit], that’s the priority. We have been in talks for a few years with possible options. And hopefully at the end of the day we can have a race there in the short to medium term.”
With the interest aroused on African social networks by the last Grand Prix of 2021, Formula One Group is increasingly talking about a return to the continent, as well as to other territories that have left the competition circuit.
The first information concerning a return essentially evokes the Kyalami circuit. Only, it should be remembered that this circuit had been at the origin of the departure of the competition from South Africa. Too ‘boring’ because at the time it featured few straights and less thrilling races, it was the cause of the stopping of the South African Grands Prix. Currently Kyalami Circuit has evolved and hosts other speed competitions but still does not have Grade 1 certification to host the races. However, the history of the circuit pushes Formula One Group to favor it for a return to the continent.
If these return intentions materialize, the Formula 1 calendar, which expands to 23 races this year, should see the number of Grands Prix increase.
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