It is a long argued point of discussion that there is no Formula One race on the continent of Africa. But where would the F1 circus call home on the continent?
Formula One has been absent from Africa for a 31 years as of 2024. Kyalami in 1993, was the last time F1 stepped into Africa for an official World Championship round, and the race was won by Alain Prost for Williams, as the grid would soon become accustomed to that season.
For those who want to see F1 return to Africa, there might be renewed hope with a surprise contender: Rwanda.
Naturally, sim racing already has a track availabe as an Assetto Corsa mod. OverTake.gg community member @infinite torque has created a concept circuit based on the borders of Rwanda. Whilst the real track will not resemble this concept, it is great to see people engaged and excited about the prospect of F1 coming back to Africa after so many years away.
The track has a crazy indoor-style pitlane that would be very out of the ordinary if it were to make it to the real track. The permanent venue would be a welcomed addition to the calendar in terms of circuit design, as new permanent circuit additions are few and far between in the modern era.
Of course, the country has a long way to go to make it happen, and the addition of the circuit to the calendar is certainly years away - if it ever happens at all.
But what happened to bringing F1 back to its original African home at Kyalami in South Africa?
F1 was very close to agreeing an arrangement with the Kyalami circuit in 2023. However, a promoter change as well as the global political situation soon spelled the end of negotiations once again.
Kyalami hosts many international events from GT racing to motorcycles, but F1 will not be joining that lineup; at least not for now. If an F1 event does fall into place for Rwanda, it may prompt South Africa to start pushing for an event again as well.
Historically, the South African rounds of the World Championship were always some of the most hotly contested, particularly on the classic layout of Kyalami.
Would you welcome F1 returning to Africa? Let us know in the comments below!
Formula One has been absent from Africa for a 31 years as of 2024. Kyalami in 1993, was the last time F1 stepped into Africa for an official World Championship round, and the race was won by Alain Prost for Williams, as the grid would soon become accustomed to that season.
For those who want to see F1 return to Africa, there might be renewed hope with a surprise contender: Rwanda.
Rwanda's Formula One Dreams
The East African country is hosting the FIA Prize Giving ceremony this year ahead of crucial talks with F1 to bring the pinnacle motorsport back to the African continent. The discussions are part of Rwanda's 'Leveling up' plan.Naturally, sim racing already has a track availabe as an Assetto Corsa mod. OverTake.gg community member @infinite torque has created a concept circuit based on the borders of Rwanda. Whilst the real track will not resemble this concept, it is great to see people engaged and excited about the prospect of F1 coming back to Africa after so many years away.
The track has a crazy indoor-style pitlane that would be very out of the ordinary if it were to make it to the real track. The permanent venue would be a welcomed addition to the calendar in terms of circuit design, as new permanent circuit additions are few and far between in the modern era.
Of course, the country has a long way to go to make it happen, and the addition of the circuit to the calendar is certainly years away - if it ever happens at all.
But what happened to bringing F1 back to its original African home at Kyalami in South Africa?
Is the dream of Kyalami dead?
Unfortunately for fans of the iconic venue, Kyalami appears to be dead in the water when it comes to welcoming Formula One back to its circuit. However, this has been said multiple times over the past few years, and it always finds a way back into the headlines after a prolonged absence.F1 was very close to agreeing an arrangement with the Kyalami circuit in 2023. However, a promoter change as well as the global political situation soon spelled the end of negotiations once again.
Kyalami hosts many international events from GT racing to motorcycles, but F1 will not be joining that lineup; at least not for now. If an F1 event does fall into place for Rwanda, it may prompt South Africa to start pushing for an event again as well.
Historically, the South African rounds of the World Championship were always some of the most hotly contested, particularly on the classic layout of Kyalami.
Would you welcome F1 returning to Africa? Let us know in the comments below!
