Former Premier League star, 34, takes the lead in a bold attempt to revive Formula 1 racing in Africa with a brand-new track, marking a historic comeback for the sport on the continent. But will this daring venture succeed, or is it just a pipe dream?

Hamilton has been a big backer of a prospective move

FORMER Premier League star Marvin Sordell is fronting a sensational bid to bring Formula One to Africa, according to reports.

Sordell, 34, is a co-chief executive and director for Opus Race Promotions, having retired from football in 2019 to then come out of it for non-league side Kettering Town.

F1 are reportedly in talks over a new race to be held in NigeriaCredit: Getty

The bid is being fronted by ex-Prem star Marvin SordellCredit: PA

Stefano Domenicali has reportedly been invited to Abuja to review the projectCredit: AFP
Sordell played for both Bolton and Burnley in the Premier League, but is perhaps best known for his time in the Championship for clubs including Watford, Charlton and Burton Albion.

His company has already gained “early support” from the Nigerian government over the prospect of getting the nation to host a grand prix.

According to The Times, the plans include far more than simply hosting a race in the capital city of Abuja.

The pledges made by Opus outline the building of a karting track, hotels, a technology hub, and a motorsport museum, among other infrastructure.

Nigeria’s chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, invited the promoter to Nigeria in April to present a concept of their grand F1 designs.

And the proposal seemed to have left Dikko impressed, because a month later, the promoter was officially appointed to negotiate with F1 and the FIA on behalf of the Nigerian government.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also reportedly been invited to Abuja by Opus to review the project.

SunSport understands that talks are at a very early stage, while there is also heavy interest from other nations.

Domenicali, 60, has repeatedly spoken about his desire to expand the motorsport into new markets.

Africa is a major omission from the modern F1 calendar, with the last race on the continent happening at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa back in 1993.

The only other nation F1 has been to on the continent is Morocco, all the way back in 1958.

F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been a major voice pushing for the sport to add a race in Africa.

Both South Africa and Rwanda have been among the front-runners linked with that lucrative possibility.

However, speaking in May, Domenicali ruled out a race happening anytime soon, saying: “Realistically speaking, I don’t think we’re going to have an outcome in the very short term.”

A new European track in Madrid is being added next year in place of Italy’s famous Imola circuit.

Meanwhile, Thailand appears on course to be the next new addition to F1.

That’s after the government there agreed to a roughly £890million funding plan for a street race in Bangkok, which could debut as early as 2028.

The 2025 F1 season returns in Belgium this weekend after a two-week break following the chaotic British Grand Prix.