Ongoing uncertainty around Formula 1's push for a grand prix in Africa may work in favour of Barcelona's efforts to remain on the calendar beyond 2026.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has long expressed interest in bringing the sport back to the African continent — currently the only one missing from the world championship.
Over recent years and months, projects in Kyalami, Cape Town, and Rwanda have all been floated.
But in Monaco this weekend, Domenicali admitted that progress across all three venues has stalled.
"Negotiations are ongoing," he said. "We are gradually moving forward and working together to find the best solution. But when a new opportunity arises, it is important to make sure that it has long-term prospects.
"We cannot go to a new place without having a guarantee that we will stay there for a long time. We are discussing three venues, but I do not expect any decisions in the short term," Domenicali added.
"We are really interested in holding a grand prix on the African continent, but for now it is a question of finding the right plan. Hopefully we will be able to tell you more about this project soon."
The delay could be a welcome development for organisers of the grand prix in Barcelona, which is set to lose its official Spanish GP title to Madrid starting in 2026 — the final year of the Circuit de Catalunya's current contract.
At the centre of Barcelona's effort to extend its F1 future is regional business minister Miquel Samper, who also serves as president of the track.
"The negotiations are going very well, moving forward," Samper told Diario Sport.
"That's the reality, but it also means absolutely nothing. This type of negotiation, with so many interests and so many circuits currently wanting to host a grand prix, forces us to be very discreet, as was the case when we were able to close the agreement with MotoGP and Dorna."
He added that Barcelona isn't just competing with Madrid: "There is more competition from cities, not just Madrid, that want to host a grand prix."
