Morocco The United Kingdom is determined to promote sport in order to achieve a greater global presence, as the Arab countries have already done. A few weeks ago we learned of the plan, promoted by King Mohammed VI, to become a football power “on a continental and international level.” The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), in collaboration with the OCP group (world leader in phosphates) and several private sector partners, signed an innovative agreement to create a special fund to finance and develop football in Morocco.. And his ambitious plan to “steal” the 2030 World Cup final from the Santiago Bernabéu also came to light.
For months, the regime of Mohamed VI has been carrying out a strategy to rob Spain of the final of the World Cup to be held in 2030 and to ensure that the match is played in what is intended to be the largest stadium in the world, located in Casablanca. Through media outlets around the world – including Spanish ones – it is orchestrating a campaign that seeks to reflect the virtues of this new building to convince FIFA that Morocco is the best option.
But there is more to this global strategy with sport as the protagonist and now they are going after Formula 1. Negotiations between Morocco and Mohamed Ben Sulayem are accelerating and the Moroccan GP now seems a more than feasible possibility.
Tangier as a candidate
According to Atalayar, Tangier is emerging as one of the candidate cities to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, marking an important moment for motor sport in MoroccoIf approved, it would be the first time Morocco has hosted a Formula 1 race since 1958, when the country held its inaugural event in Casablanca.
Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix would benefit the country economically and attract large investments in tourism, but above all it would help Morocco’s reputation as a host of events. Growing popularity of Middle Eastern circuits in Formula 1 supports Moroccan bid for inclusion in the calendar.
With the support of major sponsors such as Saudi Aramco, Middle Eastern countries have effectively integrated themselves into the Formula 1 scene, paving the way for Morocco to do the same. This regional influence could be extremely important in supporting the Tangier campaign. which could host a night race.
The only hurdle would be security. It must be remembered This is why other African venues, such as Kyalami in South Africa, have been prevented from being approved..
A threat to Spain
If Tangier is a success, it could affect Spain. One of the Grand Prix races that are still in full contract and have not yet been renewed would have to be removed from the calendar. as is the case of the Spanish GP in Barcelona. The Generalitat is working on its extension beyond 2026 and to coincide with Madrid’s, but it has not yet signed said renewal and having to accommodate Morocco could be a stumbling block in future negotiations.
In a limited calendar, where or by whom could the Tangier circuit enter? Currently, The possible Grand Prix that could be included in the list to be replaced, due to lack of renewal, would be: Italian Grand Prix at Monza (2025), Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps (2025), Monaco Grand Prix at Monaco (2025), Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort (2025), Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola (2025), Mexican Grand Prix at Hermanos Rodriguez (2025), Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai (2025), Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas (2025), Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku (2026), United States Grand Prix at Austin (2026) and Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona (2026).