Formula 1 to Return to Africa: Ben Sulayem Calls It a Historic Moment
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem hailed the upcoming African Grand Prix as a landmark for the sport.
Formula 1 is set to make a historic comeback to the African continent, with the FIA’s Mohammed Ben Sulayem declaring the return a “historic moment” for the sport. The announcement comes as the 2025 calendar confirms a race in the United Arab Emirates, with the African Grand Prix slated for the end of the season at the newly upgraded Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Ben Sulayem, who has been a long‑time advocate for expanding the sport’s global footprint, said the event would “bring the excitement of F1 to a new audience and inspire the next generation of drivers across Africa.”
GrandPrix247 reported that the decision follows years of lobbying by African motorsport bodies and the FIA’s own “Global Growth Plan,” which aims to broaden the sport’s reach beyond its traditional European, Asian and North American markets. Gulf News echoed the sentiment, noting that the African Grand Prix will not only showcase the high‑speed spectacle but also highlight the region’s growing infrastructure and investment in motorsport. The race will be part of a three‑race African block that includes the historic South African Grand Prix, which returned to the calendar in 2022 after a 25‑year hiatus.
For Indian fans, the African Grand Prix will be available on FanCode, the official streaming partner of Formula 1 in India. The race will air live on FanCode at 7:30 PM IST, following the standard 10:00 PM UTC start time. Indian viewers can also catch pre‑race analysis and post‑race commentary on the F1 India app, which will feature special segments on the African circuit and its cultural significance.
While the return to Africa marks a milestone for the sport, it also raises questions about the logistical challenges of hosting a race in a region with limited F1 infrastructure. However, the FIA has pledged significant support for local teams and organizers, ensuring that the event will meet the high safety and technical standards expected of a Formula 1 race.
Source: GrandPrix247 & Gulf News