With hopes high and plans in motion, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is taking bold steps towards bringing Formula 1 back to South Africa, aiming to revive a legacy that has long awaited its return.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 November 2024) – The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, an icon of South African motorsport, has just received the green light for an exciting upgrade to FIA Grade 1 status, enabling it to host Formula 1, MotoGP, and other major motorsport events.
This ambitious project, spearheaded alongside Apex Circuit Design, envisions the return of the South African Grand Prix – a milestone that motorsport enthusiasts and fans have eagerly anticipated for decades.
With a rich history stretching back to 1961, the Kyalami Circuit became a hub for world-class racing in South Africa, hosting 23 Formula 1 races until 1993. The legacy of those Grand Prix races, alongside the memories created there, remains deeply woven into the fabric of South African sport. Yet, despite many efforts to revive Formula 1 at Kyalami, internal obstacles have repeatedly stood in the way. Jody Scheckter, South Africa’s former F1 world champion, has often spoken openly about these challenges, reflecting on how past attempts were hindered.
But now, with renewed resolve, Kyalami’s dream of welcoming the world’s best racing talent back to its track is finally within reach.
As part of its plan, Kyalami has partnered with the globally respected Apex Circuit Design to meet FIA’s stringent Grade 1 standards. Apex has made its mark designing some of the world’s premier racetracks and will be instrumental in ensuring Kyalami is ready for this historic opportunity.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is fully behind this initiative, having met with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in Azerbaijan in September 2024.
“We are one step closer to bringing it [Formula 1] to South Africa,” he announced, expressing optimism after productive meetings with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
McKenzie’s support, alongside Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s, is a strong vote of confidence in the potential of Kyalami. And for Toby Venter, Kyalami Circuit’s owner, this is the fulfilment of years of dedication and vision. Venter has consistently advocated for Kyalami as a perfect home for Formula 1 in Africa – and his commitment to this cause has now inspired a nationwide surge of excitement.
This resurgence of interest in African motorsport has also resonated internationally, with F1 star Lewis Hamilton continuously emphasising the importance of bringing Formula 1 to the continent. Speaking to media at the Dutch Grand Prix earlier this year, Hamilton shared a powerful perspective on the need for Africa’s inclusion on the F1 circuit.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” the seven-time world champion stated.
Having recently visited the continent during F1’s summer break, Hamilton passionately argued that Africa deserves a place in Formula 1, not only to showcase its beauty but also to foster tourism and economic growth.
“There’s a huge amount of work that needs to be done there,” Hamilton continued, emphasising that many who haven’t visited the continent might not realise its vast beauty and potential.
“I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things.”
The revival of the South African Grand Prix promises to be a landmark event for Africa and the global motorsport community. More than just a race, it embodies the passion and resilience of those who believe South Africa deserves a place in the F1 circuit once again.
For fans, it’s the opportunity to see their home track shine on the world stage, igniting excitement, unity, and national pride. For our country, it’s a celebration of South African spirit, tenacity, and pride on the world stage!
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