Morocco F1 Grand Prix Emerges as a Leading Contender to Host Future

Formula 1 Circuit Project in Tangier: Update and Insights

The rigorous investigation by the Moroccan site Le Desk.ma (Moroccan media published in French)

The Moroccan media Le Desk, recognized for the quality and rigor of its investigations, recently published an in-depth investigation on the Formula 1 circuit project in Tangier. This investigation provides valuable insight into the real status of the project and helps distinguish confirmed facts from widely circulating rumors.

To discover this complete analysis, you can consult their article here: Le Desk – Update on the F1 Project in Tangier.

The work of Le Desk is all the more important as it calls for caution in the face of some enthusiastic media announcements, both local — where the Moroccan press has been caught up in the fever of publishing uncertain information on the subject — and international. This investigation thus helps clarify the situation by reminding that several essential steps remain to be completed before any realization of the project.

We had announced an exclusive by discovering that the site moroccangrandprix.com redirected to the official Formula 1 site. However, it turned out that this domain name has been registered since 2010, which confirms that our exclusivity was not current. We thank Le Desk for correcting this information.

Our update on May 29, 2025

The Formula 1 circuit project in Tangier is presented as an investment of about $1.2 billion, aiming to create a tourist and sports complex around a Grade 1 homologated circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1, WEC, and MotoGP races.

This project also includes a theme park, a shopping mall, hotels, and a marina. According to the project promoters, nearly 10,000 direct and indirect jobs could be created.

Private investors have already secured $800 million, but the total funding depends on obtaining governmental authorizations. The nearby Tanger Med industrial port is a major logistical asset to host teams and equipment.

Éric Boullier, former director of the French Grand Prix and ex-leader of Formula 1 teams, leads this project. He conducted a feasibility study in December 2023 and asserts that the site meets FIA requirements.

Comparing this project to a “mini-Abu Dhabi,” Éric Boullier aims to make Tangier a sustainable tourism hub centered on the Grand Prix. If the government gives the green light, construction could be completed within three years, making Morocco a key player on the African F1 calendar.

However, before any progress, the financial model still needs to be finalized and an agreement negotiated with Formula 1.

On the continental level, Morocco is competing with South Africa and Rwanda, but the Moroccan project is considered by some as the best fit for F1’s vision for Africa.

Moreover, Morocco stands out with a dynamic automotive sector:

• More than 700,000 vehicles produced per year,

• A sector representing 22% of the national GDP,

• $14 billion in annual exports,

• Over 250 global automotive groups established, including Renault, Stellantis, and BYD.

This industrial dynamism strengthens Morocco’s position as a serious candidate to host major sporting events such as Formula 1.

Part 2 — Previous Article (Historical Context)

Formula 1, the world’s most popular automotive racing sport, may soon bring its high-speed events to Morocco. According to Formula 1 Group CEO Stefano Domenicali, the league is considering holding a Grand Prix event in Africa, with discussions taking place with countries in North Africa and South Africa, as well as two countries in the Far East.

Many believe Morocco is likely the North African country being considered, as the country already has a history with Formula 1 racing and boasts a rich culture and beautiful cityscapes.

One of the main reasons that Morocco is being considered as a potential host for a Formula 1 Grand Prix is its history of motorsports. The country has a long tradition of car and motorcycle racing and has hosted many international events in the past. In addition, Morocco has a number of well-established race tracks and motorsports facilities, including the Circuit Moulay El Hassan in Marrakech and the Circuit International Automobile Moulay Hassan in Rabat.

Another factor that makes Morocco a strong candidate to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is its growing infrastructure. The country has been investing heavily in the construction of new airports, hotels, and other facilities to accommodate international visitors. This infrastructure would be able to support a major event like a Formula 1 Grand Prix, which can attract thousands of tourists from around the world.

In addition, Morocco has a strategic geographic location that would be beneficial for hosting a F1 Grand Prix. The country is located on the coast of North Africa and is easily accessible from Europe and the Middle East. This would make it a convenient destination for teams, drivers, and fans from all over the world.

Overall, Morocco has a lot to offer as a potential host for a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Its history of motorsports, growing infrastructure, and strategic location make it an attractive candidate for the future. With the right investments and preparations, Morocco could become a regular stop on the Formula 1 calendar.