NO F1 IN SOUTH AFRICA SOON
South Africa’s bid to bring a Formula 1 Grand Prix back to the Rainbow Nation has hit a significant setback, with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirming that the country won’t be hosting an F1 race in the immediate future.
After months of optimism and planning, F1’s return to African soil, last seen in 1993 at Kyalami, won’t be happening next year or even in 2027 as many had hoped.
McKenzie didn’t beat around the bush when speaking to eNCA: “Next year, definitely not.” He admitted that the government underestimated what’s required to stage a modern Formula 1 event, from infrastructure to financial guarantees, despite the high hopes and engagement with F1 officials.
The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts. Although it’s in the midst of upgrades and has been approved to pursue FIA Grade 1 status, the track still needs millions in investment and time to meet all the stringent criteria.
Part of the challenge lies not just in readying Kyalami, but also in carving out a slot on an already packed global F1 calendar, where multi-year contracts with existing venues make it tough to squeeze in a new race.
Portugal and Belgium, for example, have secured spots beyond 2026, making competition for future calendar places intense.
That said, McKenzie insists South Africa hasn’t abandoned the chase. A team of experts is now preparing a stronger bid aimed at securing a race for 2028 or 2029, with both Kyalami and a proposed street circuit in Cape Town still in contention.
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