Lewis Hamilton wants a Grand Prix on the African continent instead of yet another GP in the United States
The F1 has inaugurated a third race in the United States in 2023. While the F1 would like to organize a race in New York, Lewis Hamilton would like to see the return of a Grand Prix in Africa.
Formula 1 goes around the world, or at least almost. Since 1993, Formula 1 has not visited Africa to organize Grand Prix races. The last race organized on the original continent took place in South Africa, at the Kyalami circuit, where Alain Prost won the last South African Grand Prix.
Since that time, Formula 1 has evolved significantly. This motor sport has modernized, diversified, and opened up to a different audience. Nowadays, it is the Gulf countries and the United States that organize the majority of the events, unlike in Europe in the 90s. In 2023, the Grand Prix of Las Vegas took place, one year after Miami’s arrival. Now, three races are held on the new continent, while the FIA is reportedly considering the possibility of expanding to New York, according to indications from Chase Carey, the non-executive chairman of Formula 1.
Enough running on the American continent
The United States represents a new market for Liberty Media, and the company has understood it well. Formula 1 is trying to adapt to the country with so-called “American-style” ceremonies and the addition of new races. However, the drivers do not want to see more races on American soil. “It is not my job to decide how many races there will be in the United States, but we certainly do not need more,” said Lewis Hamilton. “We definitely don’t need any more races there,” he added.
The British driver expressed the wish that Formula 1 returns to Africa, 30 years later. He explained, “We have one race left that we need, and it would be Africa. We have all the other continents, so why not there? I’m working for this continent to come back to the championship.”
Two potential candidates
A Grand Prix in South Africa could have made its comeback in 2023. The contract for the Belgian Grand Prix was coming to an end, and negotiations had begun to bring Formula 1 back to Africa. However, the discussions were interrupted, especially with the extension of Spa-Francorchamps until at least 2025. Moreover, Jody Scheckter, the 1979 world champion, explained that “conflicts of interest” have hindered the return of the race to this year’s calendar. If the South African Grand Prix were to return, it would likely happen after the contract with the Belgian circuit expires.
Morocco could also be among the potential candidates. In 2022, a delegation from the FIA came to conduct a reconnaissance on the new Sidi Daoui circuit. The directors are working on the approval of the layout and, most importantly, obtaining Grade 1 certification. If the circuit obtains it, it could apply for a spot on the calendar. A race has already taken place in Morocco in 1958, during the 3rd edition of the championship.
The seasons 1992 and 1993 are the only championships in history to have taken place on all 5 continents, with Antarctica and the Arctic being excluded.
