Major F1 update emerges on RETURN to Africa

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Major update emerges on F1 RETURN to Africa

South Africa is bidding to host an F1 grand prix from 2026

Kevin McKenna

Wednesday 22 January 2025 10:54 Updated: 11:03

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There has been a significant development regarding the potential of Formula 1 making a sensational return to Africa.

It has been over 30 years since the continent last hosted a race, with Kyalami the venue for the 1993 season-opening South African Grand Prix.

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F1 legend Alain Prost stood on top of the podium on that day, in the first of seven race victories earned during his 1993 campaign on his way to securing a fourth world championship.

Kyalami hosted the 1993 South African Grand Prix

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The F1 calendar currently consists of 24 races spread across five continents, making the addition of further grands prix difficult to accommodate.

However, there has been a push over recent years - with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at the forefront - to find a solution and further increase the sport's global reach.

In December, Rwanda launched a stunning bid to host a grand prix, while South Africa have also recently expressed their intention to explore the possibility of a F1 return.

Now, there has been another major step on the road to making that dream a reality, with Gayton McKenzie - the country's Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture - calling on any promoters eager to support the bid to stage a grand prix from 2026 and beyond, to submit their applications.

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The government has not ruled out the possibility of accepting applications to either build a new F1 circuit or establish a street race, with the Kyalami track currently not an FIA Grade 1 venue, the award required to host a grand prix.

Any expressions of interest will be evaluated by a jury of 12 people from a variety of backgrounds, and must be presented by January 31, 2025.

“This marks an exciting step in our journey to bring Formula 1 to South Africa," said McKenzie in a government statement.

"The release of the Request for Expression of Interest demonstrates our commitment to an open, inclusive and competitive process, showcasing South Africa’s ability to host a world-class motorsport event and our broader ambitions for economic growth and global recognition."