Kenyan Influencer Joy Jeptoo Advocates for Formula 1 Race in Africa

Kenyan social media influencer Joy Jeptoo has spent thousands of dollars to attend Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Now, she is campaigning for a race to be held on the African continent, which currently has no F1 events despite a growing fan base.

Formula 1, the world's leading form of single-seater motorsport, has been held annually since 1950. The series visits Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia, but has not raced in Africa since 1993. Jeptoo's efforts highlight the enthusiasm among African fans and the potential for the sport to expand its reach.

Jeptoo, a 24-year-old influencer with over 40,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 100,000 on X, has become a prominent voice in the African F1 community. She is often hired by entertainment venues in Nairobi to host F1 parties and draw in fans. 'When you're scrolling on Netflix and then you see Drive to Survive, you end up watching and then you get interested in the sport,' Jeptoo said.

Africa's F1 fan base is growing rapidly, with television audiences in North Africa tripling. The Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' has been credited with increasing interest in the sport, particularly among young Africans. Additionally, technology such as F1 TV has made it easier for fans to access live races, further fueling the sport's popularity on the continent.

Paddock Experience, Kenya's largest F1 community, has been hosting viewing parties since 2021, drawing crowds of up to 1,400 on race days. Fans spend an average of $15 to $22 on food and drinks during these events. 'Technology is another driving force behind F1's growing presence in Africa,' said Kamal Onyedikachukwu, founder of F1 Naija.

Female fans are increasingly involved in F1, with women like Baaba Jenkins and Queendela Adu Poku taking active roles. Jenkins and Adu Poku run the popular F1 podcast 'Hairpins and Straights,' providing in-depth race reviews and content about travel to races. 'We didn't know where to start from. We didn't have any ins into motorsport. It was just Baaba and I rambling on a podcast and trying to figure out the whole podcast space, literally starting from scratch, not being popular people, not knowing anything about the sport,' said Adu Poku.

Calls for an African F1 race have been growing louder, with potential venues including Morocco, Rwanda, Zanzibar, and the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, which hosted multiple F1 races between 1967 and 1993. African fans and Lewis Hamilton, the sport's most successful and only black driver, have been rallying for F1's return to the continent, arguing that it is unfair for Africa to be left out while the US alone hosts three races a year.

The push for an African F1 race is not just about expanding the sport's reach but also about recognizing the growing interest and passion for motorsport on the continent. As Jeptoo and other advocates continue their efforts, the hope is that Formula 1 will soon return to Africa, bringing the thrill of the sport to a new audience.

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan influencer Joy Jeptoo campaigns for a Formula 1 race in Africa.
• Africa has no F1 events despite a growing fan base and tripling TV audiences.
• Netflix's "Drive to Survive" and F1 TV have increased interest in the sport.
• Female fans, like Baaba Jenkins and Queendela Adu Poku, are taking active roles.
• Potential African F1 race venues include Morocco, Rwanda, Zanzibar, and South Africa.