South Africa’s F1 bid – all you need to know

South Africa’s Bid to Bring Formula One Back to Africa

More than 30 years after the roar of Formula One engines last echoed across African soil, South Africa is making a concerted effort to host a new Grand Prix and reclaim its place on the global motorsport stage. The continent’s return to the world of F1 is a prospect met with excitement and anticipation, as the sport seeks to expand its reach to every corner of the globe. For South Africa, this bid is not just about reviving its motorsport legacy but also about asserting its position as a major player in international events. Two potential circuits are vying for the honor: a street circuit in the stunning Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg. The race to host the prestigious event is heating up, with each location offering unique advantages andcharm.

The Battle Between Cape Town and Kyalami

The decision on which track will host the South African Grand Prix rests in the hands of a committee established by the country’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie. The committee is expected to announce its decision by the third quarter of 2024, with McKenzie exuding confidence about South Africa’s chances of securing the event for 2027. While McKenzie has expressed indifference about whether the race takes place in Cape Town or Johannesburg, both locations are pulling out all the stops to make their case.

Cape Town’s proposed street circuit is a modern, picturesque option that would wind its way around the city’s iconic landmarks, including the stadium built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the dramatic Lion’s Head mountain. This route has already proven its potential by hosting a Formula E race in 2023, showcasing its ability to stage high-profile motorsport events. Meanwhile, Kyalami, a historic track located about 30 kilometers outside Johannesburg, boasts a rich F1 legacy and a passionate fanbase. The circuit, painted with a vibrant South African flag, is a Grade 2 track, just one level below the requirements for hosting an F1 race, and would require minimal upgrades to meet the necessary standards. The choice between these two tracks is as much about practicality as it is about the emotional appeal of each location.

A Legacy of Thrilling Races and Legendary Drivers

Formula One has a storied history in South Africa, dating back to the days when the sport’s legends like Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter competed on its soil. The last African Grand Prix took place in 1993, a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections marked the end of the apartheid era. That race, held at Kyalami, was won by French driver Alain Prost, who piloted his Williams car to victory in a nail-biting contest. South Africa’s F1 legacy also includes the continent’s only world champion, Ferrari’s Jody Scheckter, who clinched the title in 1979. These memories have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history, making the return of F1 to South Africa a poignant moment for fans and drivers alike.

The sport’s absence from the continent for over three decades has left a void that South Africa is eager to fill. Samuel Tickell, a motorsport expert from the University of Münster, emphasizes the significance of F1’s return to South Africa, calling it "something very important for Formula One." The country’s rich motorsport heritage, combined with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, makes it an attractive destination for the global racing community.

A Unified Push for an African Grand Prix

South Africa’s bid to host an F1 race has garnered widespread support, both domestically and internationally. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for an African Grand Prix, criticizing the sport’s overlooking of the continent in favor of other regions. "We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa," Hamilton remarked in August 2022. His sentiments resonate with fans and experts alike, who see the return of F1 to Africa as a long-overdue step in the sport’s globalization.

Under the leadership of Liberty Media, the American conglomerate that acquired the Formula One Group in 2017, the sport has expressed a commitment to expanding its reach to every continent. This strategy aligns with South Africa’s ambitious bid, which is viewed as a key opportunity to strengthen F1’s presence in Africa. The push for an African Grand Prix is not just about racing; it’s about bridging cultural and geopolitical gaps, and South Africa is determined to lead the charge.

The Viability of Hosting an F1 Race in South Africa

Despite the high costs associated with hosting a Grand Prix, experts believe that staging a race in South Africa is both feasible and beneficial. Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport and geopolitical economics at Skema Business School in Paris, points out that organizational costs and hosting fees are often outweighed by the strategic and symbolic value of hosting such events. "Even if races are not commercially viable, to some of the countries and their backers, that won’t matter because it’s a strategic payoff," he explains. This perspective is particularly relevant for South Africa, where the government and private investors are likely to view the Grand Prix as an investment in national pride and global visibility.

Moreover, the expansion of the F1 calendar in recent years suggests that adding a South African race would not require the exclusion of other events. The 2024 season, for instance, features seven more Grands Prix than the 2009 season, demonstrating the sport’s growing appeal and its ability to accommodate new races. With Kyalami’s Grade 2 certification and Cape Town’s proven ability to host motorsport events, South Africa has the infrastructure and expertise to make the Grand Prix a success.

The Challenge from Rwanda and Morocco

While South Africa is a strong contender to host the African Grand Prix, it is not without competition. Rwanda, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has emerged as a potential rival, with Kagame meeting with FIA and Liberty Media officials at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. Rwanda’s growing influence in global sports sponsorship, including partnerships with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and the NBA, signals its intent to become a major player in international events. Chadwick describes Rwanda as being "in pole position" to host an F1 race, suggesting that South Africa’s bid is far from unchallenged.

Rwanda’s chances, however, may be complicated by its involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country’s participation in regional politics has sparked international criticism, with some calling for the withdrawal of the Road World Championships scheduled to take place in Kigali later this year. These developments could overshadow Rwanda’s F1 ambitions, creating an opening for South Africa to strengthen its position.

Morocco has also long harbored ambitions of hosting an F1 race, further intensifying the competition. Yet, as Sports Minister McKenzie has noted, there is no reason why Africa cannot host multiple Grands Prix, reflecting the continent’s diverse culture, geography, and passion for motorsport. The possibility of two African races on the F1 calendar would not only expand the sport’s reach but also celebrate the continent’s rich and varied heritage.

The Future of Formula One in Africa

As South Africa prepares to welcomes Formula One back to its shores, the implications of this moment extend far beyond the racetrack. The return of the Grand Prix to Africa represents a significant step in the sport’s journey toward greater inclusivity and global engagement. It also offers South Africa a platform to showcase its beauty, resilience, and vibrant culture to the world. With the support of international figures like Lewis Hamilton and the backing of experts who recognize the strategic value of the event, South Africa is well-positioned to succeed in its bid.

For the fans, this is a chance to relive the magic of Formula One on African soil, to witness history in the making, and to cheer on the next generation of racing legends. For South Africa, it is an opportunity to reclaim its place in the motorsport world and to inspire a new generation of young racers who dream of following in the footsteps of Jody Scheckter and other African champions. As the world waits with bated breath for the announcement of the winning bid, one thing is clear: the African Grand Prix is not just a race—it’s a celebration of speed, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of a continent on the move.