Formula 1, a sport historically dominated by Europe and North America, has recently seen a surge in popularity across Africa. From Nairobi to Johannesburg, a new generation of F1 fans is emerging, energized by the sport’s increasing accessibility through streaming services, Multichoice, Africa’s leading entertainment platform, and the global appeal of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. In Sierra Leone, Ghana, Uganda, and many other African nations, this growth is evident as motorsports gain traction among new and passionate fan bases.
One avid F1 fan, Martin Michael, a CEO of Mercury International, a prominent figure in the Sierra Leonean sports community and an enthusiastic supporter of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, shared his thoughts on the growing F1 movement on the continent. “Formula 1 is becoming a huge deal here in Sierra Leone,” Martin remarked. “We’ve always been a football-loving nation, but in recent years, motorsports have really started to captivate the youth. You see it everywhere—people are talking about Verstappen’s incredible skill or Hamilton’s fight to get back on top. It’s amazing to be a part of this growing community.”
Growing F1 Structures in Africa
Africa has long been a sleeping giant in motorsport, but recent developments point to the continent’s significant potential. In countries like Uganda and Ghana, the foundation for F1 fan engagement has been laid, with local motorsport associations organizing events, viewing parties, and even racing championships to cultivate a motorsport culture.
Uganda has been active in building grassroots motorsport enthusiasm through the Formula One Association of Uganda (F1UG), which regularly organizes karting events and race viewing parties. F1UG’s 2024 Karting Championship, which kicked off at the Meraki Karting Track, was a resounding success, drawing large crowds of motorsport enthusiasts. “The most exciting part of the championship is how it brings together the motorsport community,” said Raymond Mugisha, President of F1UG. “We’ve seen how much interest there is in Formula 1 and motorsport in general, and our goal is to build a vibrant motorsport culture from the ground up.”
In Ghana, the Motorsports Federation of Ghana (MFG) has also been working tirelessly to promote Formula 1. Ghanaian F1 fans are now actively organizing F1 viewing parties and karting events across the country. MFG has even partnered with F1 Experiences to offer unique opportunities for fans to attend races in various parts of the world. Samuel Opoku-Agyemang, President of the Motorsport Federation of Ghana, said: “We believe Formula 1 is not just about entertainment, but also about innovation and technology. The sport’s growth in Ghana is evidence of how rapidly Africa is catching up with the rest of the world in motorsport enthusiasm.”
The Call for an African Grand Prix
As the sport gains traction across Africa, there is also a burgeoning movement to bring Formula 1 back to the continent for the first time since 1993. Leading this charge is seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been vocal about the need for an African Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who has been working behind the scenes with officials in Rwanda and South Africa, said during the Dutch Grand Prix: “The time is 100% right. Africa can’t keep being left out when the sport is adding races everywhere else. Having a Grand Prix here would be massive—not just for motorsport, but for tourism and economic growth.”
Martin Michael, like many African fans, shares Hamilton’s sentiments, expressing hope for a future where F1 becomes a staple on the continent. “I think Hamilton is spot on. Hosting a race in Africa would show the world how passionate we are about the sport. It would also create jobs, boost tourism, and inspire a whole new generation of African drivers,” he said.
F1’s Expanding Presence Across Africa
While Sierra Leone’s F1 community is growing, the rise of the sport in places like Uganda and Ghana is part of a larger, continent-wide trend. In Kenya, the Paddock Experience community regularly attracts hundreds of fans to their viewing parties, where people come together to experience the thrill of race day. Events like these are popping up across Africa, from Ghana to Nigeria, where fans are hosting lively discussions and gatherings for every race weekend. In both Ghana and Uganda and in other African countries, avid fans host watch and have clubs that meet on Sundays to watch F1 over drinks.
David Coulthard, a former F1 driver, has also contributed to the sport’s popularity in Africa by hosting public F1 events in countries like South Africa. His street runs in Red Bull cars have drawn huge crowds, highlighting the sport’s appeal and potential on the continent.
The Future of F1 in Africa
The potential for Formula 1 in Africa seems boundless. Reports suggest that Rwanda is working on plans to build a permanent F1 circuit, while South Africa’s Kyalami circuit, once the host of the South African Grand Prix, remains a strong contender to bring the sport back to African soil. “Rwanda is one of my favorite places,” Hamilton said. “I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it. I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda, and I’ve spoken to people in South Africa. That’s a longer project, but it’s amazing that they’re so keen to be a part of it.”
Africa’s deep motorsport history, particularly in South Africa, combined with its growing fan base, makes the continent a ripe market for Formula 1. The Kyalami circuit, which hosted F1 races between 1967 and 1993, remains a historical gem and a viable option for the sport’s return. However, political and financial obstacles have delayed the return of F1 to Africa. Toby Venter, the owner of Kyalami, emphasized that the sport’s return to South Africa is a dream worth pursuing: “Formula 1 is not a true world championship without Africa.”
For fans like Martin Michael, the dream of an African Grand Prix is a possibility they hope to see materialize soon. “I’ll be the first in line to get tickets if it happens,” he said with a grin. “I can’t wait to see Verstappen and the Red Bull team race on African soil.”
With growing fanbases in Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, and beyond, and advocacy from global icons like Lewis Hamilton, the world may soon witness the long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Africa—a continent brimming with potential for motorsport’s next frontier.