The desire of Formula 1 to organize a race in Africa is not on hold, assures Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. However, to proceed, guarantees are needed on three fronts. “We are working to assess what is still missing before we can say: ‘Okay, let’s go.’
A Formula 1 race on the African continent would mean that for the first time since 1993, races are being held on all six inhabited continents. In recent years, steps have been taken to realize this wish of Formula 1. For example, the South African government department for culture and sport has issued a tender to promote a Grand Prix in the country. Rwanda wants to organize a race south of the capital Kigali, where a circuit is already being built.
Guarantees Needed
However, the plans are still in an early stage. Stefano Domenicali was asked by Motorsport.com whether the desire of Formula 1 to organize a race in Africa was temporarily on hold. The CEO did not necessarily agree with this. “That’s not the right word,” said Domenicali. “Before we take that step, we need guarantees on three fronts: investments that benefit the community beyond the presence of F1, infrastructure (not just a circuit, but hotels, roads, airports) and an economic basis that can support the event in the long term. We are not on standby – we are working to assess what is still missing before we can say: ‘Okay, let’s go.’ But we are not there yet,” he clarified.
Furthermore, Domenicali confirmed that, should a Grand Prix on the African continent actually be realized, it would be part of a calendar with 24 races. The Italian stated that this is the maximum number of races he is willing to sanction.
