Coulthard hints F1 African Grand Prix announcement is just weeks away

David Coulthard has suggested that Formula 1 is on the verge of announcing its return to Africa, ending a wait that stretches back to the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The former Red Bull driver made the remarks on the Up To Speed podcast alongside co-host Will Buxton, saying he had heard credible rumours that a calendar addition was close.

“I’m hearing rumours that we’ll have an announcement for Africa soon,” Coulthard said. “So, we’re going to be going to Africa.”

The comments came during a broader conversation about the expanding F1 calendar. With Portugal and Turkey already confirmed for 2027, Coulthard acknowledged the logistical challenge of fitting Africa into a schedule that already runs to 24 races, and expressed scepticism about where a potential return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit — which both he and Buxton backed — could realistically slot in.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added weight to the speculation in August 2026, telling reporters that talks were advancing. “I think what I can say is that negotiations are progressing very well in Africa,” Domenicali said, while also noting ongoing discussions in South America and the Far East, and confirming that F1 would hold just one race each in China and Japan for the foreseeable future.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been among the most vocal advocates for Africa’s inclusion. Ahead of the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed the depth of his personal investment in the campaign.

“For the past six years, maybe seven, I’ve been fighting in the background to get a grand prix,” Hamilton said. “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there. There’s one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they’re really trying.”

Hamilton, who has spoken publicly about his African heritage, added a sense of urgency to his push: “They’re setting certain dates, I’m like: ‘Damn, I could be running out of time’, so I’m going to be here for a while until that happens.”

No venue or date has been officially confirmed, but Coulthard’s remarks — combined with Domenicali’s public optimism — suggest a formal announcement may not be far off.