Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard suggested during the Up To Speed podcast that an announcement regarding the championship's long-awaited return to Africa could come soon. Speaking alongside co-host Will Buxton, Coulthard indicated he believes the addition to the calendar is progressing toward confirmation.
The comments came while discussing potential venues for the expanding Formula 1 schedule, with Portugal and Turkey already confirmed for 2027 alongside rumored African additions. Coulthard struggled to see where an African race would fit into the 24-race schedule given the existing commitments.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed in August that negotiations for an African Grand Prix are progressing very well. He indicated the championship is exploring opportunities across multiple continents, with discussions ongoing in South America and the Far East as well as Africa.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been campaigning for Formula 1's return to Africa for several years, describing it as a personal mission. The championship last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, creating a 33-year absence from the continent.