Formula 1 reveal Africa grand prix discussions ongoing - Stefano Domenicali

Formula 1

Formula 1 reveal Africa grand prix discussions ongoing - Domenicali

F1 last raced in Africa in 1993

Sam Hall

Thursday 1 April 2021 14:30

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed discussions over a potential return to Africa are ongoing as the sport has set its sights on being a true world championship.

F1 has not raced on the continent since 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, resulting in Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leading the calls for a long-overdue reappearance.

Speaking in an interview for the FIA AUTO publication, Domenicali said progress was being made on this topic.

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Asked if aspirations to race in both north and south Africa were "realistic", Domenicali replied: "I would say it’s very important that we have a world championship.

"With regards to Africa, discussions are in place, but I’m not yet in a position to say where these discussions are headed."

This year's calendar features a record 23 races, including 12 in just 16 weeks after the August summer break.

It is likely, however, a calendar in future years will increase with the addition of a race in Africa, as well as possible second events in China and the United States.

Domenicali added: "China and the US remain very important markets to us. In China, we are only in Shanghai and we need to push our strategy because it’s a big market with great potential.

"It’s an unfortunate situation that last year we didn’t have the race in Shanghai and that so far this year we are prevented from being there because of the current situation."

He continued: "The US is another region with big potential and we will develop that area, hopefully in the short term."

The Chinese GP was cancelled last year and is currently listed as postponed but Domenicali remains hopeful the situation can be resolved, adding: "If there could be a slot this year to recover that race, we need to be flexible."