But after 31 years away, the sport still can’t thrash out a route back into the only viable continent (sorry Antarctica) it fails to race in: Africa.
It was 1993 the last time the “Mother Continent” hosted an F1 grand prix. That was at Kyalami, 20 miles north of Johannesburg, as Williams driver Alain Prost won the 27th version of the South African Grand Prix.
Rather obviously, it is difficult to claim the full veracity of the competition “Formula 1 World Championship” while a record 24-race calendar does not actually include the entire world and its continents.
But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has made no secret of his desire to add an African race to the schedule, amid an opening set of talks with Rwandan officials last month.
However, is Rwanda the only option? South Africa has come close in recent years, too. And what are the major obstacles? The Independent takes a look at all the potential locations F1 could venture to in Africa.
South Africa
For a long time, it seemed South Africa would be back on the calendar as soon as this year.
Negotiations had been ongoing for some time when Domenicali visited the Kyalami Circuit in 2022. The track, which has FIA Grade 2 status, would need to improve to Grade 1 level to host F1, meaning an upgrade of spectator facilities, run-off areas and an official sign-off from the FIA.
There was even speculation that South Africa would replace the famous Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium as soon as 2024. But then, a few events threw the return of Kyalami off-piste.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Council squeezes homeless family into a one-bed flat
A mother of two has been forced to sleep with her daughter in their living room for over a year after a London council put the homeless family in a one-bed flat. S
Rishi reflects on his biggest mistakes in Downing Street
Rishi Sunak has spoken for the first time about his relatively brief and challenging time as prime minister, his record on migration, and his pledge to stop the boats”.
US tariffs will push down growth’ in blow to Reeves
Donald Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on US imports will shrink the British economy, Rachel Reeves has been warned by Britain’s top economists.
Almost half of Britons want Trump state visit cancelled
Poll shows anger at US president over stance on Ukraine
Rapist may have attacked scores of women, say police
A serial sex predator is suspected of raping more than 60 women while studying in London, as the Met Police launch an urgent appeal for victim-survivors.
Man wins 700,000 battle over mother’s deathbed will
An electrician has won a 700,000 will fight after a video emerged of his younger sister holding and propelling” their dying mother’s hand as she signed over her fortune on her deathbed.
Meet the six rookies racing to the future on the F1 grid
Last year was all about the old guard. Now Kieran Jackson savours what’s in store from a young, quick new generation
Justice secretary opposes two-tier’ sentencing plans
The justice secretary is calling for new guidance for judges to consider a defendant’s ethnicity when deciding whether to send them to prison to be reversed over concerns of two-tier sentencing”.
‘Austerity chancellor’ plans to cut billions from welfare
Rachel Reeves is planning billions of pounds of cuts to benefits and other public spending ahead of this month’s spring statement, it has emerged.
Royal Ballet breathes new life into Romeo and Juliet
Decades on, Kenneth MacMillan’s classic production still has the power to move audiences. Zoe Anderson swoons
