Last Updated on May 29 2025, 12:32 pm
The long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Africa is gaining momentum, with Morocco becoming the latest nation on the continent to enter the fray by preparing a substantial bid to host a future Grand Prix. The North African country has already put forward an ambitious $1.2 billion motorsport and tourism development plan, and is now competing to secure a spot on the Formula 1 calendar — potentially marking the sport’s first race on African soil since 1993.
According to a report from RacingNews365, Morocco’s proposed bid centres on a vast project located 20 kilometres south of the port city of Tangier. The plan includes a state-of-the-art FIA Grade 1 circuit designed to accommodate Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and MotoGP. The development is much more than just a racetrack — it is envisioned as a fully-fledged motorsport resort complete with a theme park, luxury hotels, a retail complex and a marina, all of which are intended to transform the area into a global destination for motorsport fans and tourists alike.
Morocco enters the frame with billion-dollar project
This ambitious endeavour signals a serious push by Moroccan stakeholders to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent. Although no formal bid has yet been submitted, the existence of such a comprehensive and financially robust proposal establishes Morocco as a legitimate and potentially compelling contender.
During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the sport is in active discussions with three African countries about hosting a Grand Prix in the future. Although he declined to specify which countries are involved, he acknowledged that Africa is the only inhabited continent without a regular race on the F1 calendar. This glaring absence is increasingly viewed as a missed opportunity in the sport’s global expansion strategy.
However, Domenicali was quick to temper expectations, warning that any potential African Grand Prix is still likely several years away. “We’re in talks, but I don’t expect anything concrete in the short term,” he said.
The complexities involved in securing contracts, ensuring infrastructure readiness and meeting Formula 1’s commercial and technical demands mean that even well-prepared proposals can take years to result in actual races.
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Return to Kyalami Still Uncertain
For many years, Kyalami in South Africa has been considered the most obvious choice of venue for Formula 1’s return to Africa. The circuit, which hosted the last African Grand Prix in 1993, has undergone significant renovations and is technically capable of meeting the requirements for an FIA Grade 1 licence. However, repeated efforts to revive the race at Kyalami have faltered due to financial disagreements and governance issues between circuit owners and potential promoters.
Although the Kyalami name continues to carry significant weight in the F1 community, the inability to finalise a deal has created a vacuum that other countries, such as Rwanda and now Morocco, are increasingly eager to fill.
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Rwanda’s aspirations are still on the table.
Morocco’s emergence comes on the heels of another high-profile African pitch. Rwanda, one of the fastest-growing economies on the continent, officially declared its interest in hosting a Formula 1 race at the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Kigali at the end of last year. President Paul Kagame made the announcement in person, revealing plans for a formal bid to be submitted in the near future.
Although details of Rwanda’s proposal have not yet been made public, the country’s involvement in the discussions highlights the continent’s growing enthusiasm for international motorsport. Kigali’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and tourism could provide a unique backdrop for a future Formula 1 race, should Rwanda’s vision align with Formula 1’s exacting standards.
Historic precedent: Morocco’s lone Grand Prix in 1958
Although Morocco may seem a newcomer to the conversation about hosting races, the country does have a unique place in Formula 1 history. The Ain-Diab circuit near Casablanca hosted the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix, which remains the only official F1 race the country has hosted to date. This event was also historically significant as it marked the conclusion of that year’s championship, but it was tragically marred by the death of British driver Stuart Lewis-Evans.
The proposed new circuit in Tangier aims to dramatically rewrite Morocco’s F1 legacy. If approved and constructed, it would not only revive the country’s connection with Formula 1, but also establish Morocco as a permanent fixture on the global motorsport scene.
Tangier’s strategic advantage: Proximity to Europe
One of Morocco’s key advantages is its proximity to Europe, which could significantly reduce the logistical costs and complexity for teams and organisers. The Tangier Med industrial port, located just 45 kilometres northeast of the proposed circuit site, provides direct ferry access to the Spanish port of Algeciras, only 14 kilometres across the Strait of Gibraltar. This logistical convenience could be appealing to Formula 1 decision-makers, who are faced with increasingly tight scheduling and cost constraints around the world.
Much of the sport’s infrastructure and personnel are based in Europe, so Morocco’s proximity and well-established transport networks could be decisive factors in securing approval.
Thailand is still in the running to host the 2028 race
The global appetite for new races isn’t limited to Africa. Thailand has also recently reaffirmed its ambition to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with discussions intensifying over the past year. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 officials during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend to continue the discussions.
According to Thai government sources, plans are being drawn up for a street circuit in Bangkok, the capital, with the hope of securing a race slot as early as 2028. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is believed to have visited Bangkok for preliminary discussions in recent months, and the project is currently undergoing internal feasibility assessments.
A Thai Grand Prix would represent a significant expansion of the sport into Southeast Asia, building on the success of the Singapore Grand Prix and Malaysia’s long-standing support for the event at Sepang.
F1’s Global Balancing Act: Expansion vs. Saturation
As Formula 1 continues to push into new territories, maintaining a balanced global calendar is becoming increasingly challenging. The current schedule includes 24 races across five continents, with many circuits holding long-term contracts. Any new addition to the calendar, whether in Africa, Asia or elsewhere, will almost certainly result in the removal of an existing race, as F1 cannot continue to expand indefinitely without making room.
Several historic circuits are already feeling the pressure. Some European races, such as those at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, have reportedly been under threat due to commercial factors, and even traditional strongholds such as Silverstone and Suzuka have had to renegotiate to secure their places.
Therefore, Morocco’s proposal must demonstrate not only its infrastructure and ambition, but also its ability to contribute long-term value to Formula 1’s ever-changing global strategy.
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A Race for the Future of F1 in Africa
Morocco’s billion-dollar investment plan could be a game-changer for Formula 1’s return to Africa. With Rwanda and South Africa also in contention, the continent is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds for future race slots. However, no single bid currently has a clear advantage, and all three nations face significant challenges before Formula 1 returns to Africa.
Morocco’s next step will be to turn its impressive vision into a concrete, executable bid that can win over the sport’s leadership and stakeholders. If it succeeds, the sport’s long absence from Africa may finally come to an end, ushering in a new chapter in Formula 1’s global story.
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