On 1 September, 2024, South Africa and Formula 1 made headlines when South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, met up with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Formula 1. McKenzie noted that South Africa is “one step closer to bringing it [Formula 1] to South Africa”, following an “extremely good” meeting with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, or International Automobile Federation) with whom McKenzie discussed support for South Africa’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the future.
With its rich history of Formula 1 events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events.
Of course, there are several necessary steps that need to be taken for Formula 1’s return to South African shores to become a reality. Recently, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and Apex Circuit Design, an award-winning motorsport engineering consultancy responsible for the design and delivery of the world’s best racetracks, teams met with McKenzie to outline plans for FIA Grade 1 accreditation.
“With its rich history of Formula 1 events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events. Sharing the ethos of creating an engaging spectator and participant experience, Kyalami and Apex are working together to prepare Kyalami for FIA Grade.”
McKenzie enthusiastically thanked Kyalami Circuit Owner Mr Toby Venter for his continued service to South Africa through his vision and initiatives to create a desirable, suitable and realistic solution for aspirations to secure the return of Formula 1 to South Africa. Kyalami Management thanked McKenzie and Gauteng Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi for their continued efforts to secure the return of Formula 1 to Africa.
“Whist negotiations with various role players, including Formula 1 owners Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South Africans can rest assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula 1.” And that home is, of course, the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, which hosted its first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1961.