Formula 1 could return to Africa. At least that’s the intention Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the world championship. The chief executive of the Formula 1 He is clear that the next step in the expansion of the sport inevitably involves having a Grand Prix on the African continent.
The only track with the capacity to organize a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa is the kyalami circuit south africa where 21 of the 33 editions of the South African Grand Prix the last century. The last one was in 1993, with the victory of Alain prost.
In a conference with the shareholders of ‘Liberty Media’, the company in charge of the exploitation of the F1 World Cup, Stefano Domenicali assured that the landing of the championship in African territory is being studied. “It’s no secret that I still we are seeing if there is an opportunity to go to Africa. It is the only continent that is missing,” Domenicali said.
South Africa would replace historic grand prix
Kyalami’s entry into the championship would force some grand prix out of the calendar, especially the European events. The main candidate to lose his race is Belgium. The Spa-Francorchamps contract ends in 2023, and although everything indicates that it will renew until 2025, the legendary Belgian track will have to alternate on the calendar with other European circuits.
Domenicali assures that the rotation in Europe is necessary so that Formula 1 can grow in other markets without exceeding the limit of 25 races per season set by the FIA. “I think right now, everyone understands that and we’re not playing any game, we’re very transparent with them,” Domenicali explained.
The CEO of the championship assures that he wants to continue having the historic grand prix, but that the promoters must understand that alternating the European grand prix will help the growth of Formula 1: “We tell them that if they want to be part of the calendar, they have to do what which we believe is good for them and also for us, Formula 1”, stated the Italian.
Despite the fact that the negotiations with the promoters of the Kyalami circuit have intensified in the coming months, everything indicates that the South African Grand Prix would not enter the World Cup before 2026.
