Big announcement for Formula 1 fans in South Africa
Formula 1 is inching closer to making a grand return to South Africa after a ‘hiatus’ of over thirty years, with the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit preparing to meet the requirements for a Formula 1 race.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, recently announced that Kyalami is set to upgrade its facilities to reach FIA Grade 1 accreditation, the standard required for hosting a Formula 1 event.
Kyalami holds a rich history with Formula 1, having hosted its first race in 1961.
For generations, the circuit has been an emblem of high-speed racing, attracting fans from across South Africa and creating a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.
However, since the last South African Grand Prix was held in 1993, F1 enthusiasts in the country have been relegated to watching races on television, with no home race to attend.
That might soon change as efforts intensify to bring Formula 1 back to South African soil.
In September 2024, the prospect of a South African Grand Prix hit a milestone when Minister McKenzie met with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
After the meeting, McKenzie shared his optimism, saying that South Africa is “one step closer to bringing it [Formula 1] back.”
He also had a positive discussion with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasising the international and local support for the initiative to bring Formula 1 back to Kyalami.
To make this vision a reality, Kyalami has taken proactive steps by collaborating with Apex Circuit Design, a renowned motorsport engineering consultancy that has contributed to the development of some of the world’s top racetracks.
Apex is working closely with Kyalami to create a roadmap that will lead to FIA Grade 1 accreditation, which involves rigorous safety, design, and facility upgrades to match the standards required by Formula 1.
“Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events,” said representatives from Kyalami.
“With its extensive history in the sport and commitment to an engaging fan experience, Kyalami aims to be an ideal destination for Formula 1’s return to South Africa,” they said.
Minister McKenzie expressed his appreciation for Toby Venter, the owner of Kyalami Circuit, thanking him for his dedication to the project and his investment in the nation’s motorsport aspirations.
Venter’s initiatives, coupled with the expertise of the Apex team, have created a viable and realistic pathway to hosting Formula 1 once again.
The race to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa is fueled by enthusiasm and diligent planning, with continuous negotiations underway with key stakeholders, including Liberty Media, the company that owns Formula 1.
Although these discussions are ongoing, McKenzie’s update has injected a new wave of excitement among South African fans, who are eagerly awaiting the return of world-class motorsport to their homeland.
In an X post (formally known as Twitter) on Thursday afternoon (31 October), McKenzie thanked the owners of Kayalami Race Track for investing in upgrading the track to F1 requirements and the APEX group for their expertise.
“I love seeing a plan come together. F1 is coming home soon,” said McKenzie.
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