After more than 30 years without the roar of Formula 1 engines on an African racetrack, Lewis Hamilton might see his ‘dream’ come true. South Africa and Rwanda are vying to secure a spot on the 2027 F1 calendar and become the first African hosts of a Grand Prix since 1993.
The South African Grand Prix used to be a staple in the F1 season, running 21 races over nearly three decades up until the early ’90s. Yet, due to political and economic issues in the mid-’90s, South Africa found itself unable to afford hosting privileges.
Now, there’s a chance for a revival as F1 leaders look to spread their wings into Africa. Here, Record Sport examines how we got here, what’s on offer, Hamilton’s behind-the-scenes role, and Max Verstappen’s view on it all.
Hamilton ‘pushing’ in background
For some time now, seven-time world champion Hamilton has been advocating for F1’s return to Africa. Speaking to ESPN, he revealed he’d been “pushing” the powers that be to make it happen and described racing on the continent as “a huge dream” of his.
“I’ve been talking about South Africa and that’s what I’m pushing for in the background so hopefully you’ll see that come to light soon,” he said back in May 2023. “It’s a real big dream for me to race in South Africa, and race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me.
“I know I have a big following out there and I know a lot of people are into Formula 1 now there so I’m pushing as hard as I can in the background. I’m going high up to make sure we have that race happen.”
Hamilton’s father, Anthony, is of Afro-Grenadian descent, and while Hamilton himself was born and raised in England, he’s travelled several times to Africa in order to connect with his distant roots. “It was one of, if not the most, special experience for me,” Hamilton said of his trip to Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and Tanzania in 2022.
“Just to tap into a little bit of Africa and experience a few different countries. I didn’t go to the wealthy parts, I know there’s a lot of wealth and great buildings and businesses, but I really wanted to get to the rarest and rawest part of countries, and see how people live with very little. That for me was really empowering, just to think that my ancestors would have been in one of those tribes, and it’s beautiful.”
Hamilton has also insisted that F1 cannot continue to “ignore” Africa while expanding the sport to locations in all corners of the globe. “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” he said last August.
“There’s a huge amount of work needs to be done there. I think a lot of the world that haven’t been there don’t realise how beautiful the place is, how vast it is. And probably they don’t even know what the countries are doing still to those places in terms of holding back. So I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things.”
Where will an African Grand Prix be held?
It’s currently a toss-up between South Africa and Rwanda. The latter’s bid, which was launched in December, has received support from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, the world motorsport governing body, who told BBC Sport Africa: “Africa deserves an F1 event, and Rwanda is the best place”.
Rwanda, known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, plans to capitalise on its distinctive landscape and natural splendour by building a circuit that winds through forests and alongside a picturesque lake situated 25km from Kigali, the nation’s capital. The proposed track will feature significant elevation changes and tight turns, which have impressed F1 champion Verstappen, who called them “amazing”.
While Rwanda offers innovation, South Africa boasts a rich history and prestige in its bid. They aim to bring the Grand Prix back to the renowned Kyalami circuit, just outside Johannesburg, which previously hosted 23 F1 races.
South Africa’s Minister of Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confidently spoke to SportsBoom: “We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race,” he said.
“South Africa is the greatest country. We want Rwanda to get Formula 1, we want South Africa to get Formula 1, why when it comes to Africa it must be one? Rwanda’s time is here; South Africa’s time is here.”
Abandoned plans
F1’s hopeful comeback to Africa has been mired in deliberations for the better part of a decade, with plans frequently suggested, altered, and eventually shelved. But recent developments indicates a return is closer than ever.
In 2022, F1 was seriously considering bringing the South African Grand Prix back onto the calendar, but plans were scuppered in 2023 due to political reasons, namely, South Africa’s close alignment with Russia and their neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Financial constraints have also played a role in shelving plans in the past. Previous negotiations fell through due to funding issues at the Kyalami circuit, and despite efforts from promoters and sponsors, nothing ever materialised.
Verstappen support
Reacting to news of a possible African Grand Prix this week, Verstappen told BBC Sports Africa: “I would like to race in Africa,” and noted “We’re very excited to be on that road.”
Despite advocating for a South African Grand Prix in the past, Hamilton has indicated that he’d be just as open to one in Rwanda instead. “Rwanda is one of my favourite places I’ve been to, actually,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it, I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda, I’ve spoken to people in South Africa. That’s a longer project, Rwanda. But it’s amazing that they’re so keen to be a part of it.”