F1 Set for Long-Awaited Return to Africa

Formula 1 is reportedly on the cusp of announcing its return to Africa, ending a void on the calendar that has persisted since 1993. Former driver David Coulthard has hinted that an official confirmation is imminent, aligning with recent signals from F1 leadership regarding the sport's strategic global expansion.

Why it matters:

The return to Africa is more than just a logistical addition; it is a symbolic victory for the sport's inclusivity. For years, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has championed the cause, arguing that F1 cannot claim to be a truly global championship while ignoring an entire continent. Successfully integrating an African race would complete the sport's presence across all inhabited continents, broadening its fan base and commercial reach.

The details:

• Insider Hints: On the Up To Speed podcast, David Coulthard teased that the announcement is coming soon, though he acknowledged the difficulty of fitting a new venue into an already crowded 24-race schedule.
• Official Progress: In August 2026, CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that negotiations are "progressing very well," suggesting the framework for a return is nearly complete.
• Calendar Pressure: With Portugal and Turkey already slated for 2027, F1 is carefully balancing the desire for new markets against the physical and logistical limits of the season.
• Historical Context: The sport hasn't raced in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, leaving a three-decade gap in the championship's history.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to which nation will host the event and how it will be integrated into the 2027 rotation. While there are requests for additional races in China and Japan, Domenicali has indicated a preference for consolidating those existing markets first. The imminent African announcement would likely take priority, potentially serving as the crowning achievement of Hamilton's long-term advocacy for the region.