Williams' success on African soil
Take a look back at F1’s history in Africa and Atlassian Williams F1 Team's role in the continent's legacy ahead of the sport’s return
Published
13 OCT 2026
Est. reading time
3 min
Formula 1 has a rich history in Africa, with Atlassian Williams F1 Team playing a significant role in some of the continent’s most recent Grand Prix chapters.
From Morocco’s historic 1958 Grand Prix to the victories in South Africa, the team has enjoyed success on African soil. With Rwanda set to bring Formula 1 back to the continent, we look back at the races and drivers that have shaped Williams’ African legacy.
Where it began: Morocco 1958
Just under two decades before we arrived on the grid, Formula 1’s was hosting its first World Championship race in Africa – the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix, held at the Ain-Diab circuit near Casablanca. The race provided a dramatic end to the season, with Stirling Moss winning for Vanwall and setting the fastest lap, while Mike Hawthorn finished second to secure the Drivers’ Championship by a single point.
However, the event was also marked by tragedy, as Vanwall’s Stuart Lewis-Evans suffered severe burns in a crash after an engine failure and sadly passed away six days later. It remains Morocco’s only World Championship Grand Prix.
Williams success in South Africa
Alain Prost at Kyalami
South Africa soon became the home of F1 on the continent, and it also became an important part of Williams’ Grand Prix history, with the team winning the final three World Championship races held at Kyalami.
Nigel Mansell secured the first of these victories in 1985, driving the FW10, with teammate Keke Rosberg finishing second to complete a one-two for the team. Mansell returned to the top step in 1992 with the FW14B, as Formula 1 returned to the circuit after a seven year absence.
Alain Prost continued that success in 1993, winning the season opener in the FW15C by almost 80 seconds. His victory remains particularly significant, as it was the last Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix held in Africa.
Alex’s recent trip
Williams’ connection to South Africa continued in July 2026, when Alex Albon visited Johannesburg as part of a month-long fan engagement initiative. The visit followed a roadshow that saw a Williams FW48-liveried show car tour shopping centres across Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, bringing Formula 1 closer to fans across the country.
Alex’s appearance on 27 July marked the first official visit to South Africa by an active Williams driver since Alain Prost’s victory at Kyalami in 1993. During the visit, Alex took part in a Q&A with Super Group CEO Neal Menashe, met competition winners and connected with local content creators and media. Reflecting on the experience, Alex praised the passion of South African fans, saying the country had lived up to the hype.
The Next Destination
Rwanda is set to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, with a Grand Prix set for the early 2030s. Plans involve a new permanent circuit near Bugesera International Airport, close to the capital, Kigali, although construction is yet to begin.
An early render of how the African Grand Prix venue in Rwanda might look
The country has already welcomed the sport’s governing body, hosting the FIA Awards in December 2024, marking the first time they had been held on African soil. It was during this visit that President Paul Kagame formally announced Rwanda’s bid to host a Grand Prix. The planned race marks Formula 1’s first return to the continent since Alain Prost’s victory for Williams at the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
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Williams Grand Prix Engineering Services LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with company registration number OC456938 and whose registered address is at Station Road, Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 0DQ.
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