Will Formula 1 return to South Africa? Lewis Hamilton is doing everything in his power to make this happen!
Abu Dhabi (29 December 2023) – Formula 1 maestro Lewis Hamilton has openly voiced his unwavering commitment to reinstating South Africa on the illustrious Formula 1 race calendar.
Recent reports from Planet Sport shed light on Hamilton’s relentless efforts to make a long-cherished dream come true: bringing Formula 1 back to South African soil.
During a candid moment with fans in Abu Dhabi, the British racing icon articulated his dedication, saying, “I’m working in the background to get South Africa on the race [calendar]. That’s like such a dream for me, I’ve got to stay until they get that race.”
This sentiment wasn’t a fleeting wish. For over eight years, Hamilton has consistently voiced his aspiration to see Formula 1 return to Africa, marking a significant milestone for the sport and its followers on the continent.
Speaking to ESPN earlier this year, Hamilton reiterated his commitment, revealing, “Yeah, I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa… It’s a real big dream for me to race in South Africa, and race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me.”
Recognising the burgeoning interest in Formula 1 within South Africa, Hamilton’s determination to turn this dream into reality has only intensified. However, the journey towards reintroducing Formula 1 to South Africa is not without its complexities. Negotiations with the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng, have been underway, but as Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali pointed out to Sky Sports, the endeavour requires the right partners and stable foundations.
“That’s a very clear target: Africa will come back and hopefully very soon on our calendar,” Domenicali affirmed.
The historical significance of the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami cannot be understated. Having hosted 23 races over the years of the F1 World Championship until 1993, the prospect of a 24th Grand Prix has been a tantalising one. Yet, as former South African F1 world champion Jody Scheckter lamented, previous attempts were thwarted by internal challenges.
Despite setbacks, hope remains alive and well, bolstered by figures like Hamilton who continue to advocate for the return of this iconic race.
As negotiations unfold and discussions progress, one thing is abundantly clear: Hamilton’s dream is inching closer to reality, promising a thrilling chapter for Formula 1 fans across Africa. The future looks promising, and with champions like Hamilton at the helm, Formula 1’s return to South Africa may be closer than we think.
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A complete lack of insight to compare the original, much loved and feared Kyalami of the sixties to the overgrown go-kart circuit it is today. Much too small for F1…….