Over the past few years, several developments have been made to bring Formula 1 back to Africa. This is currently the only habitable continent to not host an F1 event. While these developments have largely been about the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, a new contender might just have entered the ring.
Formula 1 is always looking for new things, whether it be new rules, new teams or new tracks. This is evident by the fact that Spa will be in rotation for the coming years, providing more diversity in events. With this circuit rotation being introduced, we could very well see some legendary tracks return to the calendar as well as new tracks being introduced in the near future.
ESPN Africa teases a bid for a Grand Prix in Africa
In a recent post by ESPN Africa, it has been confirmed that Opus Race Promotions, a company founded by two former footballers, is gearing up to submit a formal bid to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria. A bid that could bring the sport back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
Opus Race Promotions, founded by former footballers Marvin Sordell and Daniel Uchechi, is gearing up to submit a formal bid to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria 🇳🇬
If successful, the race would take place in Abuja, which could mark the first F1 event on African soil since 1993. pic.twitter.com/PAq27J9crV
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 22, 2025
Should this bid be approved by the FIA, then a race would be held in Abuja according to ESPN Africa. There is no existing track at the moment in Abuja, but this could change in the coming years. Several sources have reported that talks have started to build a permanent facility comparable to the Yas Marina circuit to host F1 in the future. They have confirmed that these talks are still in a very early stage.
Formula 1’s return to Africa possible in more ways than one
While this news is recent, talks about bringing Formula 1 back to Africa have been around for several years now. Lewis Hamilton is the main voice of the movement for the sport to return to Kyalami. This track hosted F1 from 1967 until 1985 and in 1992 and 1993, which marked the last Formula 1 event on African soil.
⚠️ | South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie, on a return to the country for an F1 race in the future:
“I can tell you this, F1 is definitely coming [to South Africa]. F1 told us they’re keen to come, they told us what they’ll need to come, and we are… pic.twitter.com/KeJp5Apy68
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 13, 2024
Kyalami circuit has worked hard in the past year to receive an FIA Grade 1 certification. This is a requirement for tracks to be considered for Formula 1 to hold a Grand Prix. Grade 1 certification consists of several criteria which have to be met. Among these are circuit length (not exceeding 7 kilometres), track width (minimum of 12 meters). Additionally, the grid spot arrangements have to be at least 8 meters apart.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, Formula 1’s return to Africa has become more likely as several parties are interested. This, combined with F1’s passion to expand the sport even further, increases the odds for a return to the African continent. What do you think of this news? Should F1 return to Africa? And if yes, at which track would this be? Leave your predictions in the comments.
