The quest for an African Grand Prix in Formula 1 may be taking a promising turn with Zanzibar, an archipelago off the African mainland, emerging as a potential host. Both Liberty Media and the FIA have expressed a desire to include a race in Africa, recognizing its importance for the sport’s global presence.
Efforts to revive the South African GP at Kyalami came close last year but ultimately fell through. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, speaking to motorsport-magazin.com, highlighted the ongoing efforts: “We have very good contacts in Africa and more attention should be focused on Africa.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on a new circuit project in Zanzibar, which is “dreaming of a future in F1.” The project has drawn the involvement of former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who is serving as a technical consultant. In September 2022, the project took a significant step forward when it received governmental approval on the island. By November, land allocation for the track was completed, setting the stage for development.
However, Marco Bruckner, a journalist, pointed out the challenges ahead. The construction process and gaining FIA approval are complex tasks. “The laying of the first stone is not scheduled until 2025, with the opening of the first part of the circuit only coming in 2027,” he detailed. Consequently, it seems unlikely that the circuit will receive the necessary certifications before the end of the decade.
