Formula One

South Africa is actively pursuing a return of Formula One (F1) racing to the African continent, three decades after the last Grand Prix was held on its soil in 1993. The country is vying to host a new race as early as 2027, with two competing venues under consideration: the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg and a proposed street circuit in Cape Town. This bid reflects a broader ambition to re-establish Africa’s presence on the F1 calendar, supported by prominent figures like seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

Competing Venues

1.  Kyalami Race Track:
•   Located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) outside Johannesburg, Kyalami is a challenging circuit with a rich history.
•   It last hosted an F1 Grand Prix in 1993, won by Alain Prost in a Williams, just before South Africa’s first democratic elections ended apartheid.
•   Notable past moments include a threatened drivers’ strike in 1982, led by Niki Lauda, over contractual disputes.
•   Currently certified as Grade 2 by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), it requires upgrades to reach the Grade 1 status necessary for F1 racing.
•   Features a track painted with a large, colorful South African flag, adding to its symbolic appeal.
2.  Cape Town Street Circuit:
•   A proposed route winding through Cape Town, recently named the “best city in the world” by Time Out magazine.
•   The circuit would pass around the Cape Town Stadium (built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup) and offer scenic views of Lion’s Head mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
•   Successfully hosted a Formula E race in 2023, demonstrating its capability for high-profile motorsport events.
•   Igshaan Amlay, CEO of the Cape Town Grand Prix, claims it could “outclass Monaco” due to its picturesque setting and urban layout.

A committee established by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, chaired by Mlimandlela Ndamase, is tasked with selecting the winning bid by the third quarter of 2025. McKenzie has expressed confidence, stating in February 2025, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that,” emphasizing that the location—whether Cape Town or Johannesburg—is secondary to securing the event for South Africa.

Historical Context and Support

•   The last African F1 race occurred at Kyalami in 1993, marking the end of an era overshadowed by apartheid. South Africa also produced the continent’s only F1 world champion, Jody Scheckter, who won with Ferrari in 1979.
•   Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal advocate, arguing in August 2024 that F1 cannot “continue to ignore Africa” while expanding elsewhere.
•   Under Liberty Media, which acquired the Formula One Group in 2017, the sport aims to expand globally. Expert Samuel Tickell from the University of Munster notes that a return to South Africa post-apartheid would be “very important” for F1’s legacy and growth.

Broader Competition and Challenges

While South Africa’s internal competition pits Kyalami against Cape Town, external rivals like Rwanda and Morocco are also in the race:

•   Rwanda: Led by President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has engaged with the FIA and Liberty Media (notably at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix) and already sponsors major sports entities like Arsenal, PSG, and the NBA. However, its bid may face hurdles due to international criticism over its role in the eastern DRC conflict, which has sparked calls to relocate the 2025 Cycling Road World Championships from Kigali.
•   Morocco: Has long harbored ambitions to host an F1 race, adding further competition.

Despite high organizational costs and hosting fees, Simon Chadwick, a professor at Skema Business School, suggests these may not deter bidders. For some nations, hosting F1 offers strategic benefits—like geopolitical influence or tourism boosts—outweighing commercial viability. Chadwick cites China’s investments in African sports infrastructure as an example of such strategies.

Opportunities and Implications

The F1 calendar has room for growth, with the 2025 season featuring seven more races than in 2009, meaning an African race wouldn’t necessarily displace existing venues. McKenzie questions why Africa should be limited to “just one” Grand Prix, hinting at the potential for multiple continental races if South Africa, Rwanda, or Morocco succeed.

•   Kyalami offers historical gravitas but requires investment to meet modern F1 standards.
•   Cape Town promises a visually stunning, Monaco-esque experience with proven infrastructure from Formula E.

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