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Formula 1 Africa 2026: Will Lewis Hamilton Bring F1 Back to Africa?

Formula 1 Africa 2026: Will Lewis Hamilton Bring F1 Back to Africa?

Formula 1 Africa 2026: Lewis Hamilton's Campaign for F1's Return | GSB

For Lewis Hamilton, the return of Formula 1 to Africa is a point of contention, as he is very outspoken in his desire to see it return to motherland peats by 2026. The Briton driver is one of the biggest names that have taken part in the sport and thinks that, after being off the racing calendar for years, Africa is the future for Formula 1.

The Last Time Africa Hosted F1

For more than three decades now, the sport of Formula 1 has remained absent from the calendar in Africa, with the last Grand Prix having taken place in South Africa between 1962 and 1993, and Morocco in 1958. It therefore grew big around the world, leaving a gap in one of the most promising regions in the world. For many years, African fans and stakeholders wished that F1 returned; this time, the momentum is much stronger than ever.

Lewis Hamilton’s African Advocacy

Lewis Hamilton’s recent visit to Benin, the lands of Danhomey, seemed to have reignited his connection with Africa. Probably one of the most recognizable figures in motorsport, he then started pressing for the sport’s return to Africa, with particularly South Africa and Rwanda having expressed interest in hosting Formula 1 Africa.

The seven-time world champion stated: “We can’t add races elsewhere and continue to ignore Africa.” Hamilton’s conversations behind the scenes with key figures in South Africa and Rwanda highlight the continent’s growing ambitions in motorsports.

Formula 1’s Potential Return in 2026

In fact, the demand for the Grand Prix on African soil has grown so much that it has taken the attention of F1 management and more precisely Stefano Domenicali, President of FIA. The return to 2026 will be discussed since the calendar is already complete for 2025. Such an F1 Grand Prix in Africa will require immense investment and infrastructure, but countries like Rwanda are already making their way to pursue this dream.

Countries Competing to Host Formula 1 in Africa

But leading this F1 resurgence are South Africa and Rwanda. The latter has been the most active, with meetings held between officials and FIA representatives during the Monaco Grand Prix and a successful winning of the hosting right for the FIA’s Annual General Assembly in December of 2024. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, the country is making sure it is one of the frontrunners, with plans for a permanent circuit already under consideration.

Additionally, South Africa, which previously hosted the Grand Prix, has historical significance and is still considered a favorite due to its established motorsport culture. Meanwhile, Morocco’s ambitions are also not to be ignored, as the country looks to reclaim its spot in F1 history.

Why Formula 1 Needs Africa

Partially because of its rise through global sports sponsorships, coupled with tourism campaigns and rising infrastructure, it is also the next natural direction in which to take Formula 1. Therein also lies potential for new markets, increased tourism, and economic developments which, in turn, would be a win-win situation for both the sport and the continent. Hosting Formula 1 in Africa in places like Rwanda and South Africa can become new motorsport hubs in these regions and leave a legacy that will be cherished with the people for many, many years to come.

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Formula 1

The Most Popular Sports in the world 2024

The World's Most Popular Sports in 2024

World's Most Popular Sports in 2024

In a world where sports transcend borders and cultures, certain games stand out as global phenomena. Let us take a look a top ten list of most popular sports as at 2024, using comprehensive data from sporting authorities.

 

  1. Golf: A Timeless Pursuit

Number ten on our list is golf with an estimated fan base of around 451 million worldwide. It is famous for being a leisurely paced sport that requires players to engage their minds strategically; hence it has followership all over East Asia, North America and Western Europe. Its popularity spans generations and different fitness abilities.

 

  1. Rugby: A Testament to Tradition

At number nine, rugby has approximately 476 million fans. Since the 19th century, rugby has remained close to hearts of its fans in Africa, Asia, America, Europe, and Australia thus causing much hype whenever such matches are staged abroad.

 

  1. Baseball: America’s Pastime Goes Global

In eighth place is baseball which has about 536 million fans estimated. The game’s strategic nature coupled with iconic highlight moments like home runs or diving catches have made it popular in wide geographical regions including America, Caribbean Islands and some parts of East Asia.

 

  1. Basketball: A Global Phenomenon

Basketball stands seventh with an astounding fan base of 825.5 million people in total. This is evident through leagues such as NBA that have universally recognized teams and players like Michael Jordan or LeBron James respectively who appeal to people beyond their respective boundaries irrespective whether its club basketball or other type match play forms.

 

  1. Table Tennis: A Sport for All

Table tennis’ popularity places it at sixth position boasting about 875 million followers all over the world. As one of the most accessible sports requiring minimal equipment it becomes vibrant within a myriad of settings ranging from homes to community centers thus accounting for why major tournaments gather huge following around them.

 

  1. Volleyball: Surging in Popularity

Volleyball holds the fifth position with an estimated fan base of 935 million. It is loved by both participants and fans, as it is easy to understand and can assume different forms such as Olympic Beach Volleyball or the Indoor version of the game which are followed continuously more than any other during summer Olympics.

 

  1. Tennis: A Grand Slam Spectacle

Number four position goes to tennis with approximately 1.2 billion fans all over the world. Grand Slam events like Wimbledon and US Open attract millions of viewers attesting to the universality of this game and fierce competition that exists within its context.

 

  1. Hockey: A Thrilling Pursuit

Hockey takes number three, with about two billion fans making it a popular sport. Whether played on ice or ground, hockey captivates audiences across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia among others since some of the biggest leagues in that sport recruit players from various countries hence making its popularity spread throughout the world.

 

  1. Cricket: A Cultural Phenomenon

Cricket occupies the second place with approximately 2.6 billion fans worldwide; particularly much popular in South Asia (mainly India), Australia, Africa and England due to their historical connection to this game otherwise known more than just a mere sport.

 

  1. Football: The Undisputed Champion

This list is topped by football with about 4 billion followers worldwide. Known as soccer in some regions, football has remained unopposed because it is simple to play even for amateurs while at same time scalable globally.

In conclusion, these sports demonstrate how athleticism and competition can unite people in a multicultural society. They will continue to be influential in the future and will have an enduring appeal, influencing the direction of sports for decades to come.