Morocco's Formula 1 Ambitions Spark Concern in Spain

Monday 02 September 2024 - 16:20

Morocco’s bid to host a Formula 1 race in Tangier has raised alarm bells in Spain, with Spanish media expressing worries about the future of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Recent reports in Spanish media indicate that Morocco’s ambitions to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix have sparked concerns in Spain about the potential impact on the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The reports suggest that Morocco is actively engaging with the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, to secure a spot on the global racing calendar.

The city of Tangier has emerged as a leading candidate to host the event, which would mark Morocco’s return to Formula 1 after a 58-year absence. Spanish media outlets have voiced apprehension that if Tangier’s bid is successful, it could jeopardize the future of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Barcelona race, one of the most historic on the F1 calendar, has yet to secure a contract extension beyond 2026. The reports suggest that in a crowded F1 schedule, the addition of a Moroccan Grand Prix might necessitate the removal of one of the existing races whose contracts are nearing expiration. This scenario has put Spain on alert, as the Spanish Grand Prix could potentially be replaced by the Moroccan event.

Morocco’s growing influence in the sporting world has been a recurring concern for Spain in recent times. The North African nation has launched ambitious campaigns to attract major international sporting events, such as its bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in a newly-proposed mega-stadium in Casablanca.

The success of Middle Eastern circuits in Formula 1, backed by significant sponsors like Saudi Aramco, has paved the way for Morocco to make a compelling case for inclusion in the racing calendar. The reports indicate that Tangier could potentially host a night race, adding to its appeal.

This development underscores Morocco’s strategic efforts to enhance its global sporting profile, which has been met with a mix of admiration and trepidation from its European neighbors. As Morocco continues to pursue its Formula 1 ambitions, the future of the Spanish Grand Prix hangs in the balance, with Spanish media and fans anxiously awaiting further developments.