Zanzibar Sets its Sights on Hosting Formula 1 Event
ZANZIBAR’S AUDACIOUS BID TO HOST A FORMULA 1 MOTORSPORT EVENT GAINS MOMENTUM, BACKED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND RACING ICONS LIKE LEWIS HAMILTON. THE ISLAND’S INFRASTRUCTURE OVERHAUL AND VISIONARY BLUEPRINT AIM TO PUT AFRICA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE OF MOTORSPORT AND TOURISM.
Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island province of Tanzania, is making audacious moves to secure a spot on the Formula 1 motorsport calendar, bringing Formula 1 to Africa. Backed by the government, esteemed competitors like Lewis Hamilton, and the sport’s management, Zanzibar aims to turn this thrilling event into a reality. The ambitious Zanzibar Grand Prix bid receives support from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), despite the significant financial commitments required.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Visionary Blueprint
Zanzibar is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure overhaul, transforming the archipelago into a modern metropolis and preparing for the Zanzibar Formula 1 motorsport event. The visionary blueprint includes the development of luxurious hotels, a water park, and natural parks, creating an environment that goes beyond hosting a racetrack. This comprehensive plan aims to promote motorsport tourism in Africa, attracting a loyal fan base to the African Formula 1 calendar. The infrastructure overhaul for Formula 1 in Zanzibar requires a substantial investment of over $500 million, with the construction of the racetrack alone projected to take between four to six years to complete.
Zanzibar’s bid to host Formula 1 gains credibility with support from esteemed figures within the racing community. Former Italian Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella and seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton actively support Zanzibar’s ambitious endeavor. Hamilton, expressing his fervent desire to race in Africa, mentions South Africa as a dream destination. The endorsement from Lewis Hamilton, who supports Zanzibar, adds prestige to the Zanzibar Grand Prix bid. Formula 1 President Stefano Dominecelli also emphasizes the importance of bringing the sport back to Africa, making it a top priority.
READ: Zanzibar named top travel destination for 2023 by Travelers Worldwide Magazine
Zanzibar’s Advantage over South Africa
While South Africa has been traditionally considered the obvious candidate to host Formula 1 in Africa, Zanzibar emerges as a new and promising alternative. Efforts to host the 2022 edition in South Africa faced financial constraints and collapsed. In contrast, Zanzibar’s government-backed support and determination to host the motorsport event position the island as a serious contender for the African Formula 1 calendar.
Zanzibar recognizes the significance of hosting Formula 1 beyond the race itself. The event has the potential to be a game-changer for African motorsport and tourism, putting Africa and Zanzibar on the global stage. Salim Turky, a Tanzanian parliamentarian and deputy spokesperson for the project, emphasizes the opportunity to attract international attention and promote tourism in the region. If successful, hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Zanzibar would not only elevate African motorsport but also boost tourism, placing Africa on the global stage of motorsport and tourism.
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