Hopes for Formula One (F1) racing to return to South Africa have once again been revived after comments made by Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, during the recent Red Bull event in Sandton. McKenzie’s confident remarks at the motorsport event have reignited the push to bring F1 back to the country, specifically to the famed Kyalami circuit.
This follows years of failed bids and complex political hurdles, but the support from both the South African government and global F1 stars is giving motorsport enthusiasts new hope for a Grand Prix in South Africa.
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McKenzie reignites the dream for South Africa’s F1 return
During the Red Bull showcase this past weekend, McKenzie was captured on video sharing his plans for the country’s motorsport future. He expressed his commitment to securing an F1 race, stating that South Africa is working toward making this long-held dream a reality. “We are bringing F1, not a comedy show,” McKenzie said, as he emphasized the importance of political and financial alignment.
In his statement, McKenzie indicated that a new FIA-approved racetrack is in the works for Cape Town, which could further South Africa’s chances of landing a spot on the global F1 calendar. However, no official details about the location of this new track have been released.
A history of dashed hopes
Despite the renewed optimism, South Africa’s road to hosting a Formula One race has been filled with setbacks. In 2022, hopes were high after Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Kyalami to discuss the possibility of including the circuit in the 2023 season. Kyalami, which last hosted an F1 race in 1993, remains South Africa’s best hope due to its FIA Grade Two status. However, a Grade One certification is required for a Grand Prix event, and the necessary upgrades would require significant financial investment.
Political factors also played a major role in previous bid failures. Accusations from the United States that South Africa supplied arms to Russia amid its ongoing war with Ukraine further strained the potential of bringing F1 back. The political climate, combined with the perception of F1 as a “white, elitist” sport, made government support for the event a challenge.
“Funding a local F1 race has always been a sticking point,” said Warren Scheckter, founder of South African GP (SAGP), highlighting the high hosting fees as a barrier.
Red Bull in Sandton: a thrilling showcase
The Red Bull event in Sandton this past weekend brought the roar of Formula One to South Africa’s streets. Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Formula One team showcased its skills, with David Coulthard at the wheel, thrilling fans who gathered to witness the action. The event was a resounding success, with motorsport enthusiasts expressing excitement about the possibility of hosting an F1 race on home soil.
The presence of Red Bull and such high-profile figures in the sport at this event reignited the public’s passion for the sport and fueled conversations about F1’s future in South Africa. Former F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and reigning champion Verstappen have also voiced their support for a race on African soil, adding more weight to the calls for F1’s return.
South Africa’s F1 history
South Africa holds a special place in the history of Formula One. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted its first F1 race in 1967, and the country remained on the calendar until 1993. During its heyday, Kyalami saw great moments, including South African Jody Scheckter’s rise to F1 champion in 1979.
However, due to political issues during apartheid, South Africa’s standing in the international sports world diminished, and the F1 event was dropped. Now, 30 years later, there is renewed hope that South Africa can once again host a Grand Prix and bring the thrill of motorsport back to Kyalami.
