It has been since 1993 when Formula 1 raced within the continent of Africa. 31 years later, Africa has become a topic within the Formula 1 community and a potential return to the Formula 1 calendar for a potential “Rwanda Grand Prix.”
The last time Formula 1 took to racing on African tarmac, the call for its return grew louder and louder. Former McLaren and Red Bull driver, David Coulthard emphasises that South Africa is ready to rejoin this glamorous motorsport once again. Should the opportunity arise.
Lewis Hamilton Pushes Formula 1 For Return
Embed from Getty ImagesSeven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton has become the most vocal in pressing Formula 1 to return to Africa stating:
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from.”
The British driver would further illustrate how a return would benefit the economy and create more exposure for Africa:
“I think having a grand prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things.”
The 105-time race winner has been in the background supporting communities within Rwanda for Formula 1 to return. But it remains unclear whether Formula 1 and the FIA have held talks about returning.
Is A Circuit Ready for Formula 1’s Arrival?
Embed from Getty ImagesRed Bull led the way in bringing life to the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. With David Coulthard driving Red Bull’s 2011 championship-winning car, the RB7.
The Red Bull team uploaded a video to their YouTube channel showcasing the Scottish driver traversing around the 4.5-kilometre racing circuit.
Asked what it feels like to be back in Africa, Coulthard simply responded with: “Fantastic, this is Africa baby, the drivers will love this circuit.”
To drivers like David Coulthard, it becomes a nostalgia trip, but to the drivers, it will create its unique blend of challenges of high-speed swopping corners combined with the scorching heat as drivers tackle this resurfaced anti-clockwise circuit.
Will The FIA Approve for Rwanda to Return?
Embed from Getty ImagesFormula 1 has continued to create more exposure by bringing the sport to unexplored parts of the world. Creating new tracks such as Miami and Las Vegas while we patiently wait for the new street circuit in Madrid which will unfortunately replace Barcelona as the Spanish Grand Prix.
So, for Formula 1 to return to Africa is an avenue the sport should pursue. Even with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) hosting the Prize Giving Ceremony in Decemeber in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
This illustrates that the FIA does have an interest in the continent of Africa. However, there is no official confirmation to support that Rwanda will become the focal point for returning to the Formula 1 calendar.
However, what is currently threatening Formula 1’s eager return is the scrutiny of human rights within Rwanda.
According to Human Rights Watch: “Serious human rights abuses continue to occur in Rwanda, including repression of free speech, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture by Rwandan authorities. Political space in Rwanda remains tightly closed and the opposition face routine threats and harassment.”
This puts the condition of Formula 1’s return into serious doubt. Due to the country’s safety and the wellness of its citizens put into question.
What is the Best Option?
Embed from Getty ImagesRed Bull’s trip to Johannesburg does become the more suitable option for Formula 1’s future return. As the circuit is currently classed as a Grade 2 circuit.
So, for the FIA to approve the use of the Kyalami circuit, it would need an FIA Grade 1 certification. The highest form of certification to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Overall, Formula 1 should not shy away from creating an expansion of the sport into Africa. With the Kylamai circuit looking to improve its standard of facilities, we could see motorsport’s most glamorous racing division return to South Africa soon.
But as to when? Remains a mystery.
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