Africa has not produced a Formula 1 driver in more than four decades, but a South African-based initiative is working to change that.
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Africa has not produced a Formula 1 driver in more than four decades, but a South African-based initiative is working to change that through a structured development system aimed at taking young drivers from karting to international single-seater racing.
The last African driver to compete in Formula 1 was Jody Scheckter, who won the world championship in 1979 before retiring in 1980. Since then, the grid has featured drivers from Europe, South America and beyond, but none from Africa.
WORR Motorsport, founded by Wesleigh Orr, has set out to address this by creating a development pipeline designed to identify talent early and guide drivers through the ranks required to reach Formula 1.
The biggest challenge has been the cost of competing, particularly at grassroot level. Competitive karting equipment is typically imported, increasing the financial burden on families.
To address this, WORR Motorsport has entered into a manufacturing partnership with TB Kart to produce karts locally. It has already reduced costs by between 20-30%, with a target of cutting prices by up to 55% over the next five years.
The organisation has also been appointed the Pan-African distributor for TB Kart’s rental kart range, which is expected to expand access to circuits and venues across the continent.
While the long-term goal is to place African drivers on the Formula 1 grid, the programme is already producing results in junior categories.
WORR Motorsport’s academy currently includes 15 drivers preparing for upcoming competitions, with former participants racing for professional teams in Europe and Asia.
Drivers from the programme have recorded wins in international karting series, including the ROK Cup and the Rotax Max Challenge, as well as FIA-sanctioned events.
The next step comes in 2026, when Gianna Pascoal is set to compete in Formula 4. Her entry marks a progression from karting into single-seater racing, which forms part of the established route toward Formula 1.
The development model established locally is now being extended across the continent. A second karting hub is scheduled to open in Rwanda within the next year, forming part of a planned network of training centres.
The hubs are designed to provide coaching, racing programmes and technical training, allowing drivers to develop within Africa rather than relocating abroad.
The initiative also includes support structures for engineers, mechanics and other technical roles required in professional motorsport.
WORR Motorsport also operates Karting Africa, a platform focused on grassroots participation. One of its upcoming events, the Karting Africa Ghana Showrun 2026, is scheduled for May and has received backing from Ghana’s National Sporting Authority.
The programme has also received support from the FIA, the governing body for Formula 1 and international motorsport.
This backing adds credibility to the initiative as it looks to establish a sustainable pathway for African drivers to progress through the ranks.
With drivers already moving through its development system, partnerships in place and expansion plans underway, the programme is focused on building a long-term presence in international motorsport.
More than 40 years after Africa’s last appearance on the Formula 1 grid, the groundwork is being laid for a potential return through a structured and locally driven approach to driver development.
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