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Africa’s race to secure a Formula 1 Grand Prix has intensified, with South Africa, Rwanda and Zanzibar all vying to bring the event to the continent.
A flurry of activity is underway in South Africa as government-led efforts accelerate to revive the Kyalami Grand Prix, once home to the South African Grand Prix.
According to the latest communication from the South African Ministry, the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) deadline for the country’s Formula 1 Grand Prix bid has been extended to 18 March 2025.
“This extension aims to give stakeholders additional time to submit comprehensive, well-structured proposals in line with RFEOI requirements,” read the statement on January 28, 2025.
The move reflects the nation’s commitment to securing an F1 race, signaling a determined push to bring the sport back to African soil.
According to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, the bid is significant as it “would boost our economy, tourism and development while showcasing South Africa as a premier global sporting destination.”
South Africa’s bid is particularly unique considering the country’s deep motorsport roots, having hosted Formula 1’s South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami Circuit from 1967 until 1993. The last F1 race in South Africa was held in 1993, the last time the sport was hosted on the continent.
With a rich legacy of producing world-class drivers like Jody Scheckter, who won the 1979 F1 World Championship, South Africa’s return to the F1 calendar would be a historic moment for the continent.
While the Kyalami Circuit remains a strong contender, South Africa is also exploring the Cape Town Grand Prix SA proposal — a 5.7km street circuit weaving through the V&A Waterfront and around DHL Stadium, which successfully hosted a Formula E race in 2023.
But South Africa isn’t the only African nation in the race. Rwanda has entered the conversation with plans for a state-of-the-art circuit in Bugesera, aligning with its broader vision to position itself as a global sports hub.
Last month, during the FIA General Assembly and Prize Giving in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame endorsed the country’s Grand Prix ambitions.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix… we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves,” he noted at the event.
The East African country is laying the groundwork with a new circuit planned near Bugesera Airport, designed by ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz.
According to BBC Sports, the former F1 driver and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman, Wurz, has collaborated with local stakeholders for over a year, crafting a fast, flowing track that takes advantage of the region’s hilly landscape and lakeside setting.
Zanzibar is also emerging into a serious contender in Africa’s push to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with a strong focus on building the necessary infrastructure. The Majestic Complex is at the heart of this effort, featuring a 7.6km circuit — the longest in F1 history.
According to the Zanzibar Circuit of East Africa, the track will be able to be sectioned off into a 5,800m track to accommodate the other race categories. Key features include a luxury marina, a world-class expo center, and a 1,500-room hotel.
Strategically located along the coastline, this 8-square-kilometer development aims to position Zanzibar as a premier motorsport and tourism destination, blending high-speed racing with world-class leisure and entertainment.
This, alongside infrastructure projects being advanced in the archipelago, such as the US$1.3 billion skyscraper unveiled by Tanzania’s AICL Group and Edinburgh-based Crowland Management in 2022, signals Zanzibar’s broader ambition to become a global investment hub.
Adding to this transformation, the Burj Zanzibar, set to be the world’s tallest timber tower, is planned for Fumba Town near Zanzibar City, further reinforcing the island’s push for cutting-edge, sustainable development.
The biggest hurdle for African contenders is the cost involved. According to PlanetF1, the lowest Formula 1 hosting fee in 2023 was US$20 million for Monaco, with Italy and Belgium paying US$25 million.
“That’s 373,200,000 to host a Grand Prix in South African rands… Would we even be able to afford a ticket?” Michelle Foster inquired in the article.
The rising interest in hosting Formula 1 in Africa mirrors the sport’s booming fanbase, fueled by a growing digital presence. From streaming live events on smartphones to engaging with F1 models in city hubs, the continent’s virtual connection with the sport has never been stronger.
For instance, the Paddock Experience, an F1 fanbase community in Nairobi, hosts viewing parties for races. According to a 2024 article in the Guardian, events attract up to 600 fans in the afternoon sessions and a crowd of up to 200 diehard fans for the morning sessions.
“I don’t think they know how many fans they have in Africa,” Mbalu Makau the team principal, is quoted in the article.
The 2025 F1 calendar is locked, making 2026 the earliest possible entry for an African Grand Prix. With the Dutch GP set to exit after 2026, a coveted slot opens for 2027 — fueling hopes for the sport’s long-awaited return to Africa that year.
