Morocco is preparing a bid to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, unveiling plans for a $1.2 billion motorsport and entertainment complex near Tangiers that could position the country as a new hub for global racing, RacingNews365 said in an exclusive.
The proposed development includes a Grade 1 circuit capable of hosting F1, MotoGP, and World Endurance Championship (WEC) events, alongside a theme park, hotels, a marina, and a shopping mall, the racing website said.
The site, located 20 kilometers south of Tangiers, is strategically placed near the Tanger Med port, offering logistical advantages for F1 teams and fans traveling from Europe, it said.
The project is being spearheaded by former McLaren and Lotus team principal Eric Boullier, who also managed the French Grand Prix from 2018 to 2022, it said, adding that Boullier acknowledged the bid is ambitious but believes it aligns with Formula 1’s vision for a return to Africa after more than three decades.
“This is a long shot, but it ticks all the boxes,” Boullier told RacingNews365, citing Morocco’s accessibility, infrastructure, and growing motorsport interest
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend that talks are ongoing with three African nations: Morocco, South Africa, and Rwanda, as the sport seeks to end its 32-year absence from the continent.
While South Africa’s Kyalami circuit has faced delays due to financial and regulatory hurdles, Morocco’s proposal appears to be gaining momentum, the news portal said.
If approved at the highest levels of government, the Tangiers project could generate up to 10,000 jobs and significantly boost Morocco’s tourism and international profile.
The last time Morocco hosted a Formula 1 race was in 1958 in Casablanca. A return would mark a historic milestone for both the country and the sport’s global expansion strategy.