South Africa last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit, a race won by Williams driver Alain Prost. Since then, the South African GP fell off the calendar, leaving no F1 races on the African continent. However, there are talks underway to bring the pinnacle of motorsport back.
F1 has many choices of where to race in Africa. Rwanda is creating a circuit ready to host an F1 event and is in the mix. However, South Africa has two available options. Cape Town could host a street circuit race and already has Formula E tearing up the tarmac. But a return to Kyalami could be on the cards, given the latest noise coming from the FIA.
South Africa’s track has been given three years to upgrade
To host an F1 race, the track must be FIA grade 1. Kyalami is currently rated grade 2 and needs to be upgraded before it can be added to the F1 calendar. The FIA has provided written approval for the amended grade upgrades, with an inspection scheduled once they have been completed.
The layout of the circuit is acceptable for FIA standards, but the track must have better run-off areas, debris fencing, and better drainage systems to be accepted. Kyalami has been given three years to make the upgrades.
Kyalami owner, Toby Venter, said: “This is a defining moment for South African motorsport. When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent.”
“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey. Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.”
Lewis Hamilton is on a mission to bring F1 back to Africa 🌍 pic.twitter.com/rgzHcwfmCe
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 7, 2024
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been campaigning for an African track to be brought into the championship. This approval has made it more of a reality that F1 will be returning to Africa in the near future.
Despite the approval, there is still no guarantee that Kyalami will be added to the F1 calendar. Other tracks are vying for the spot while they still need to pass further inspections.
Where else could host an F1 race in Africa?
Kyalami, based near Johannesburg, is facing competition from within South Africa. Cape Town hosted a Formula E race in 2023. The race was a success, but due to finances, the race dropped off the calendar and is yet to return. This could be a stumbling block to hosting an F1 event as the costs will be higher.
Last December, Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, announced that he had bid for his country to host an F1 race. The FIA held the end-of-season awards in Rwanda’s capital, further adding to the speculation of F1 heading to central Africa. Former F1 driver Alex Wurz is designing
The advantage Kyalami has over the two other tracks is that they have already hosted F1 races. The race is a classic track, compared to bringing a new street track or a circuit which hasn’t been used by F1 cars. Kyalami might be the favourite, but nothing is a certainty.
