By Samson Ateka
It was a homecoming like no other, and it’s here to stay!
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Formula One heritage came to Ngong Racecourse as SportPesa unveiled its iconic 2019 Racing Point F1 replica at the 54th Africa Concours d’Elegance, announcing that the car will now embark on a countrywide tour.
Under the theme “Coming Home for Good,” SportPesa announced that the replica will go on tour to malls and public spaces across the country to bring the magic of Formula One closer to every fan.
“This is a huge moment for every Formula One fan in the country as we bring the car home for the first time. The replica car is here for good. For every Kenyan who has dreamed of the chance to stand next to a Formula One car, this is for you,” said SportPesa’s Head of Operations Bernard Chauro.
“We want to make it accessible by taking it to public places and malls across the country, giving everyone the chance – so this is just the beginning,” Chauro added.
Thousands of fans got the first taste of that promise on Sunday at the Concours, savouring photo moments with the iconic pink, blue and white livery at the SportPesa stand in the corporate village — the first time an F1 replica car has been showcased in the 54-year history of the Concours.
A Piece of Kenyan Sporting History
The replica homecoming marks one of Kenya’s most significant global sporting sponsorships.
In 2019, SportPesa made history as the first Kenyan brand, and by extension, the first betting firm in the world, to “title sponsor” a Formula One team — joining BWT to form the SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team. That record stood for five years until the Stake F1 Team title partnership with Sauber in 2024 and 2025.
Stake’s partnership ended with Audi’s full 100% takeover of Sauber, with Revolut now the title partner for the Audi Revolut F1 Team.
For the 2019 season, the SportPesa Racing Point F1 team fielded veteran Mexican Sergio Pérez and Canadian Lance Stroll. Pérez finished 10th in the Drivers’ Championship with a best finish of 6th in Belgium, while Stroll secured a memorable 4th place in the German Grand Prix.
SportPesa’s title sponsorship concluded after the 2019 season. The team competed as BWT Racing Point F1 Team in 2020 before transitioning into the Aston Martin F1 Team from 2021.
Alfa Romeo Owners Club Chairman Peter Wanday welcomed the homecoming: “We are very pleased to welcome SportPesa to this year’s edition of Concours d’Elegance, and we hope this is the start of a long partnership for motorsports in Kenya. Having a Formula One replica car here for the first time is the perfect way to mark that slice of history.”
The tour announcement comes as SportPesa continues its longstanding investment in local motorsport, backing “SportPesa Racing” crews Leo Varese / Kigo Kareithi and risings stars Adriano Varese / Jason Kareithi besides supporting the fabled WRC Safari Rally.
Details of the countrywide tour stops will be announced soon.