- African countries that hosted F1 Grand Prix are a gem to the continent’s motorsports industry
- Hosting an F1 event costs around $100 million. This cost covers hosting fee usually north of $20 million
- Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and North America all have tall tales to tell about F1 racing
African countries that hosted F1 Grand Prix are a gem to the continent’s motorsports industry.
Retrospectively, Formula One is a global phenomenon that has a first-place in Africa but little exists about it.
Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and North America all have tall tales to tell about F1 racing while little exists for the same in Africa.
However, it’s surprising the continent has hosted F1 races in the past and still would if added to the F1 calendar.
Therefore, the big question is; where in Africa have these races been held?
Which African Countries that Hosted F1 Grand Prix
South Africa and Morocco are the only African countries that hosted F1 Grand Prix in history.
South Africa
The latest bid for the South African Grand Prix is inspired by decades of hosting Formula 1 events. It started in 1934 in East London where the only F1 circuit existed.
The start of this motorsport event attracted both local and international drivers who rallied for its inclusion to the Formula One World Championship calendar back in 1962.
East London hosted the first four seasons of the race between 1962 and 1964 before it moved to Kyalami in 1967.
Kyalami was more suitable for racing as it provided a permanent trace track and it was close to the capital city, Johannesburg.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted the for the next 18 years until 1985 when South Africa was suspended as a result of its apartheid rule. Nevertheless, the country made it to African countries that hosted F1 Grand Prix.
Racing resumed in 1992 and 1993 before its removal from the F1 calendar over financial constraints. It hasn’t returned 32 years later.
However, a recent approval by the FIA on the design upgrade of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit gives a ray of hope to F1 returning to Africa.
Morocco
Ain-Diab circuit in Morocco’s capital city, Casablanca joined African countries that have hosted F1 in 1958. It was the first and the last time that North Africa hosted the event after appearing on the F1 calendar.
Formula One pundits have in the past indicated that Morocco has a special place among African countries that hosted F1 Grand Prix due to its scenic and cultural beauty. This tourism aspect would blend in well with a Formula 1 weekend in Casablanca. Essentially, fans would get an opportunity to see and witness the raw beauty that Morocco has to offer tourists.
However, the dream is still alive. Morocco has a USD 1.2 billion to construct a new motorsport complex dubbed Tangier International Circuit in its port city of Tangier.
A Moroccan consortium, Marita Group in partnership with an Italian company, Studio Dromo are developing the circuit.
The complex as reported by RacingNews365 will include a modern karting track, a motorsport museum, a five-star hotel and an FIA certified, Grade 1 circuit. Tangier has immense tourism potential but remains largely unexplored.
The construction of the circuit will promote sports and local tourism in this Moroccan port city.
How Much Does it Cost to Host an F1 Race?
Hosting an F1 event costs around $100 million. This cost covers hosting fee usually north of $20 million and above, contract fees among other related costs.
Most circuits aren’t able to meet this cost prompting respective governments to step in.
