South Africa is one step closer to potentially hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix again, with the bidding process officially opened for the return of the prestigious race. The last time the event was held in South Africa was in 1993 at Kyalami, which is one of the three contenders vying for the opportunity to host the event once more.
During a press conference at Kyalami, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, revealed that the country is exploring three locations for the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix: Kyalami, Phakisa Raceway in Welkom, and a third, ambitious proposal under the name of “Wakanda City.”
Kyalami: A Strong Contender
Kyalami, located near Johannesburg, has a rich history in Formula 1, having hosted the South African Grand Prix 21 times. To compete for a spot on the Formula 1 calendar, Kyalami needs to bring its facilities up to FIA Grade 1 status, as the track currently holds a Grade 2 certification. This upgrade would be necessary for the track to meet the rigorous standards required by the Formula 1 governing body.
Minister McKenzie expressed confidence that South Africa is ready to host a world-class race, drawing attention to the country’s track record of hosting major international events. “We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race,” McKenzie stated. He also reiterated that the dream of seeing Formula 1 return to South African soil is one shared by many, including famous driver Lewis Hamilton, who had previously expressed a desire to race in South Africa.
Phakisa Raceway and Wakanda City
Aside from Kyalami, two other bids are pushing for the opportunity to host the race. Phakisa Raceway, located in Welkom, is another established venue with a proposal in place. Meanwhile, the concept of “Wakanda City” is an intriguing new entrant, bringing fresh ideas for a potential future circuit that could incorporate state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The competition between these venues highlights the growing excitement surrounding the return of Formula 1 to Africa, with both South Africa and Rwanda positioning themselves as potential hosts. McKenzie emphasized that this is not a competition between countries, but rather a celebration of the continent’s readiness for Formula 1. “It doesn’t need to be South Africa. It doesn’t need to be Rwanda. One of the two, you just need to look at F1 to know. We wish Rwanda well!” he said.
The Road Ahead
A steering committee, comprising 13 individuals, has been established to assist in the bid to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa, with a targeted date for a potential race set for 2027. Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard recently took a 2011 Red Bull car for a spin around the Kyalami circuit in a show run, praising the track’s readiness for a return to the F1 calendar.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously stated that the calendar could be capped at 24 races, with many of the traditional venues like Monza, Monaco, and Shanghai recently securing contract extensions. While the battle to host the South African Grand Prix intensifies, it remains to be seen which bid will ultimately be successful in securing a spot on the prestigious F1 calendar.
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