Formula 1 should make returning to Africa a priority when it comes to considering new venues according to reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
Africa is the only inhabited continent that does not have a current grand prix, with the majority of Formula 1 events taking place in Europe, Asia and North America.
Africa has a minimal presence on international motorsport calendars.
Marrakesh, in Morocco, has hosted Formula E and touring car events while the Safari Rally, held in Kenya, was due to return to the World Rally Championship this year after a long absence.
Formula 1 has previously raced in Africa but its most recent visit, at Kyalami, was back in 1993.
A championship grand prix has been held in South Africa on 23 occasions – with East London and Kyalami the venues – while a one-off Moroccan Grand Prix, at the Ain-Daib road course, hosted the 1958 finale.
Kyalami has recently been renovated and is due to hold a round of the 2021 World Endurance Championship, though it remains a Grade 2 circuit.
In a video released by Mercedes’ title sponsor Petronas, Hamilton was asked where he would like Formula 1 to race, replying: “Easy – Africa. It’s such an important place to go back.
“At the moment Formula 1 goes to countries and doesn’t really leave much behind if anything.
“Formula 1 has to shift into being a sport that does go to place and leaves behind something that can really help the communities and I think firstly bringing the attention back to Africa and highlighting the beautiful place it is, I think that’s the most important place that we have to go to.
“It needs to be held where it’s not all about money, it’s about people, and in business that’s not always the case, so that’s something I’m pushing for.”
Since Liberty Media acquired the championship in 2017 Formula 1 has added Vietnam and the Netherlands, subject to the coronavirus pandemic, while dropping events in Germany and Malaysia.
The championship has been striving to add a second grand prix in the United States.
A potential event in Miami has been repeatedly postponed while the initial location in the centre of the city was scrapped amid opposition from locals, with recent proposals focusing on the area around the Hard Rock Stadium.
Formula 1 has also edged closer to holding a grand prix in Saudi Arabia, with the championship signing a long-term trackside sponsor deal with state-owned oil company Aramco earlier this year.
Saudi Arabia has expanded its sports portfolio in recent years, hosting a Formula E race since 2018, the Race of Champions the same year, and is now the base country for the Dakar Rally.
