Coulthard Hints an F1 Return to Africa Announcement May Be Near

On the "Up To Speed" podcast, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard suggested Formula 1 could soon confirm a new race on the African continent. Discussing a possible return of Malaysia's Sepang circuit, he noted the calendar is getting crowded — the 2027 schedule already includes Portugal and Turkey, and Africa could be added on top, meaning several new events will need to fit into a 24-race season.

On the Portimao circuit, Coulthard said drivers enjoy it and recalled that F1 raced there during the Covid pandemic, when attendance wasn't a factor — he said it would now be interesting to see how many fans show up in person. Turning to Africa, he added that he's heard rumors of an announcement coming soon.

Domenikali confirms progress

F1 CEO Stefano Domenikali told media in August this year that talks about a possible African Grand Prix are progressing well, adding that the championship will return to Portugal and Turkey next year, while discussions are also underway with countries in South America and the Far East.

Hamilton keeps pushing for Africa

Formula 1 has not raced on the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long campaigned for a return, saying he doesn't want to leave the sport before a race takes place in Africa. Hamilton, who is of partial African heritage, has pointed out that every other continent already has a race on the calendar and said he believes organizers are genuinely working toward making it happen.