F1 in Africa? 'Premier League player leads project' to bring F1 to the continent

Nigeria is the country that is preparing a formal bid to secure a place on the Formula 1 calendar. Besides South Africa and Rwanda, it is the third African country to attempt to host a race in Formula 1.

According to the British medium, Opus Race Promotions, with former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell as co-director, is chairing a proposal that received early support by the country's government.

In April, Opus Race Promotions would have presented the concept of a Formula 1 race in Abuja to Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria.

One month later, the promoter would have been appointed as the party that may negotiate with Formula 1 and the FIA on behalf of the Nigerian government. The CEO of the Formula One Group, Stefano Dominicali, has reportedly been invited to assess the project.

Last year, Lewis Hamilton talked about why the continent needs to have a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Talking to GPblog among others at the time, the seven-time world champion pointed to South Africa, as they have a 'track ready.'

He also talked about the project in Rwanda, but added that would be 'a longer project'.

For the coming years, some changes to the calendar have already been revealed. The Dutch Grand Prix won't return after 2026 and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola will not take place already in the following season.

For 2027, currently the Azerbaijan and US Grands Prix do not have contracts. Therefore, if the competition would like to limit the weekends at 24, others could enter the conversation.