African Grand Prix return gains momentum as talks progress well

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that negotiations for a long-awaited return to Africa are advancing positively, marking a significant step toward completing the sport's global footprint. Africa remains the only inhabited continent absent from the calendar for more than three decades, and a potential Grand Prix comeback would close one of F1's most obvious geographical gaps.

Why it matters:

A return to Africa would finally give Formula 1 a race on every inhabited continent, a milestone the series has chased since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Beyond symbolism, it unlocks a vast commercial market and reinforces F1's claim as a truly world championship. The progress also reflects Domenicali's strategy of selective, sustainable expansion rather than simply chasing more races.

The details:

• Domenicali told international media that talks over an African Grand Prix are "progressing very well," though no specific venue or date has been locked in.
• The 24-race calendar currently spans five continents, leaving Africa as the outlier since Alain Prost's 1993 victory at Kyalami.
• Portugal and Türkiye have recently rejoined the schedule, while discussions continue for future events in South America and the Far East.
• China will retain a single race as F1 works to consolidate its audience before considering any expansion there.
• Contact has also resumed with Hockenheim for a potential German Grand Prix return, driven by rising domestic interest and a new RTL broadcast deal.

What's next:

While an African race is unlikely to appear overnight, the momentum suggests it could be a matter of when, not if. The Germany discussions appear more long-term, with Hockenheim targeted as a future option rather than an imminent addition. As F1 manages its packed 24-race calendar, any new venue will require careful commercial and logistical planning.