South African Grand Prix Back on Track? Kyalami Gets FIA Nod for Formula 1 Comeback

After three decades in the wilderness, South Africa’s hopes of returning to the Formula 1 calendar have just received a turbo boost.

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, located in Midrand, Gauteng, has officially announced that it has received written approval from the FIA to begin upgrading its facilities to Grade 1 status—a requirement to host an F1 race. While Kyalami currently boasts FIA Grade 2 certification, the circuit now has a three-year window to complete the final upgrades that would place it back among the elite venues of world motorsport.

From Prost to Progress

Kyalami last hosted a Formula 1 race in 1993, where Alain Prost claimed victory for Williams. Political instability and financial difficulties brought the event to a halt, and Africa has since been absent from what is called a “World Championship” circuit calendar. But momentum is building for a return, with South Africa leading the charge, outpacing Rwanda and other hopefuls.

The Upgrade Plan

According to the statement released on Wednesday, Kyalami’s proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade will not alter the current 4.522km circuit layout—reconfigured in 2016—but instead focus on:

• Enhanced run-off areas
• Upgraded barrier systems and debris fencing
• Improved kerbs and drainage systems

Toby Venter, owner of Kyalami and CEO of Porsche South Africa, described the FIA approval as a defining moment for South African motorsport.

“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it as a world-class venue. This approval turns the page to a bold new chapter—we are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” said Venter.

UK-based circuit designers Apex Circuit Design, led by Clive Bowen, confirmed the changes were relatively light in engineering terms but crucial in aligning with modern F1 safety standards.

Conditional Green Light

While the upgrades are a huge step forward, there’s a catch: they’re conditional on South Africa being granted a spot on the F1 calendar.

“Selected works will be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue,” the circuit said in its announcement.

Cape Town or Kyalami?

Kyalami is not the only city vying for the honour. Cape Town is lobbying for a street race, building on the success of hosting the 2023 Formula E event. The decision between a purpose-built circuit and a city-centre spectacle could come down to sponsorship, logistics, and international partnerships.

Hamilton’s Dream, McKenzie’s Promise

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Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie recently pledged to make Lewis Hamilton’s dream of racing in South Africa a reality.

“Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa again. I’m standing here to tell you we will not rest until your dream comes true,” he said in a public address.

The push for South Africa’s return is gaining traction among fans and political leaders alike, with the symbolic importance of bringing F1 back to the African continent forming part of a broader drive for economic and sporting inclusion.

Coulthard’s Endorsement

Former F1 driver David Coulthard, who completed a Red Bull demo run at Kyalami, called the circuit “fantastic,” praising its blind corners, high-speed turns, and elevation changes.

“I would have loved to race at Kyalami as it sits. It has everything—what it lacks is modern safety standards like extended run-offs,” he said.

What’s Next?

If all goes according to plan, Kyalami could rejoin the Formula 1 calendar by 2028 or 2029, bringing motorsport’s crown jewel back to Africa for the first time in more than 30 years.

But until South Africa is formally added to the calendar, the upgrades remain an ambitious promise rather than a done deal. For now, all eyes are on Formula 1 organisers and their commitment to diversifying the global race schedule.