Morocco plans Formula 1 Grand Prix: A $ 1.2 billion!

Morocco plans Formula 1 Grand Prix: A $ 1.2 billion!

Tanger, Marokko - Morocco shows great interest in the return of Formula 1 and plans to align a Grand Prix. A 1.2 billion dollar project for a new race track, 20 kilometers south of Tanger, is waiting for implementation. In addition to the racetrack, these ambitious plans also include a themed park, hotels, a shopping center and a marina. The last Formula 1 race in Morocco took place in Ain-Diab near Casablanca in 1958, which underlines the great history and potential of the country. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali also has talks with three African countries to enable the return of a Grand Prix to the continent. Nevertheless, he does not expect short -term results.

Formula 1 has globalized and plans to continue to develop new markets in recent years. According to Medium there was already 24 Grands Prix in 2024. Africa currently has no Formula 1 race, which is sharply criticized by personalities like Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton calls for a return of Formula 1 to Africa and notes that there is "no excuse" for this.

The history of Formula 1 in Africa

South Africa regularly hosted Formula 1 race, especially on the well-known route in Kyalami, which was opened in 1967. Kyalami is considered one of the most technically demanding routes and was the scene of many exciting races. The last Grand Prix in South Africa took place in 1993 and was shaped by political unrest and apartheid policy, which led to a boycott of sport.

Although Kyalami has been renovated in recent years, it has not yet achieved the required grade 1 classification for a Formula 1 race. Nevertheless, Kyalami is viewed as a potential venue for future races, while Rwanda is also interested in its own Grand Prix. According to Formel1.de , both Rwanda and Morocco are considered to bring the sport back to Africa, which would be a significant step for Formula 1.

challenges and opportunities

The clear geographical location of Morocco, only 45 kilometers north of Tangier and near the industrial port Tangier Med, could be advantageous for Formula 1, especially with regard to accessibility from Europe. This geographical proximity could also be important for the commercial side and the number of spectators. In a constantly changing global motorsport market, discussions with other countries, including Thailand for a Grand Prix in Bangkok in 2028, are a sign of the constant expansion of Formula 1.

In the history of Formula 1, 30 drivers from Africa took part in Grands Prix, with most of them from South Africa. Jody Scheckter remains the only African Formula 1 world champion who won the title in 1979. With the hope of new racing stories and the comeback of the Formula 1 sports on the African continent, it remains to be seen which further developments will occur in the coming years.