Formula 1 racing took centre stage in Kenya this past Sunday as SportPesa unveiled a full-scale replica of the 2019 Racing Point Formula 1 car. The reveal took place at the 54th Africa Concours d’Elegance at the historic Ngong Racecourse, marking a significant new chapter in the brand’s motorsport story in the region.
The unveiling brought back fond memories of SportPesa’s Formula 1 heritage, following its title sponsorship of the Racing Point F1 Team during the 2019 season. During that era, legendary drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll raced under the SportPesa Racing Point banner. The car unveiled at Concours draws directly from that era, recreating the distinctive Racing Point F1 identity and bringing the visual spectacle of Formula 1 to Kenyan fans.
Bringing F1 to the People
Under the “Home For Good” initiative, SportPesa has confirmed that the F1 experience will remain in Kenya. The car will travel beyond the Concours grounds and into public spaces through a planned nationwide mall tour.
The initiative is designed to give a wider audience the opportunity to see the car up close, bringing a piece of the Formula 1 experience to fans who may never have the opportunity to attend a Grand Prix.
SportPesa Head of Operations, Benard Chauro, emphasized that the initiative was about bringing the brand’s motorsport history closer to home.
“We have a genuine connection to Formula 1. In 2019, Kenyans watched SportPesa Racing Point compete on the world stage, and that created a connection with motorsport fans that has stayed with us. Bringing this car home is about reconnecting with that history and giving people the opportunity to experience it beyond the screen,” he said.
Chauro added that the car’s journey would not end at Concours. “This car is here for good. It belongs to Kenya and to every fan who has ever dreamed of standing next to an F1 car. We want to take it to the people, to malls and public spaces, so that more Kenyans can get up close to the Formula 1 experience,” he added.
The unveiling also complemented the spirit of the Africa Concours d’Elegance, which brings together automotive heritage, motorsport and enthusiasts. Peter Wanda, Chairman of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, welcomed the partnership: “We welcome SportPesa to this year’s Concours d’Elegance, and we hope this is the start of a long partnership for motor racing in this country.”
The SportPesa Formula 1 car will now embark on its public journey across Kenya, with details of the upcoming mall tour to be announced.
