After more than three decades off the Formula 1 calendar, Africa is gearing up for a spectacular return to the world’s premier motorsport stage. A major North African nation is making headlines with a multi-billion-dollar investment in Tangier, aiming to host a Grand Prix that would bring F1 racing back to the continent.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure underway and international support growing, this bold project marks a turning point for African motorsport. Which country is behind the push—and what does it mean for the future of Formula 1 in Africa? Here’s what we know so far.
Morocco is making a bold move to bring Formula 1 racing back to African soil with a groundbreaking $1.2 billion development near Tangier. The ambitious project will feature a world-class FIA-standard racetrack, aiming to position Morocco as a major player on the international motorsport circuit.
Slated for construction 20 kilometers south of the coastal city of Tangier, the proposed motorsport complex goes far beyond a racing venue. The development will include a theme park, luxury hotels, a modern shopping mall, and a marina—designed to attract year-round tourism and solidify Morocco’s appeal as a global destination.
Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the inaugural Grand Prix race projected for 2027. Once operational, the complex is anticipated to generate around 10,000 jobs, giving a significant boost to the local economy.
Morocco’s strategic location, natural beauty, and strong port infrastructure offer an ideal setting for this large-scale investment. The government, in collaboration with private investors, is betting on this initiative to elevate the country’s global profile—not just in motorsports, but also in hospitality and tourism.
The push to bring Formula 1 back to Africa has gained strong backing from major figures within the sport. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has publicly supported expansion into Africa, calling it a “priority,” while former McLaren and Lotus executive Eric Boullier—now one of the key architects behind Morocco’s F1 bid—is helping lead the charge.
Africa is currently the only continent without a Grand Prix event on the Formula 1 calendar, despite having a passionate fanbase and a rich history with the sport. The last F1 race held in Africa was the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Since then, fans and stakeholders have long called for the sport’s return to the continent.
Morocco’s vision is clear: to become Africa’s motorsport hub while unlocking long-term economic benefits. If successful, the Tangier Grand Prix would not only mark a historic return of Formula 1 to Africa—it could also reshape the future of racing in the region.
Simultaneously, Rwanda has launched a formal bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, proposing the construction of a permanent circuit near the upcoming Bugesera International Airport, approximately 40 kilometers from Kigali.
Designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, the track aims to leverage Rwanda’s unique hilly terrain, offering a fast and flowing layout through forests and around a picturesque lake. The project aligns with Rwanda’s broader vision to promote tourism and international recognition through sports, with potential completion by 2026.
South Africa, with its historical Kyalami circuit, was initially considered for F1’s return to Africa. However, bureaucratic and financial hurdles have hindered progress. Rwanda’s bid has faced criticism from the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing concerns over regional conflicts.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for bringing F1 back to Africa, emphasizing the continent’s significance in the sport’s global narrative. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also expressed support for Rwanda’s growing influence in motorsport.
