Comment by Obakeng Meletse
The South African Grand Prix could be making a return to the Formula One calendar as soon as 2027.
The last time fans last tasted wheel-to-wheel F1 action was in the year 1993 at the iconic Kyalami venue.
Many of us weren’t even born then, or we had other interests elsewhere, but adopted the sport along the way.
Grandstands were packed to capacity, with the different team flags waved by those waiting in anticipation for what was known then as the South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit.
Williams driver and winner of four championships, Alain Prost, returned to the spotlight, and he had a comeback to remember as he brushed off a challenge from Michael Schumacher and rival Ayrton Senna to win the GP on his return from the sabbatical leave that he took for the entirety of the 1992 season.
Not many would have predicted then that it would take this long for Formula One to make its return to the shores of South Africa.
The last few years have restored hope, with those heading the sport showing a lot more interest in bringing it back to Africa.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been one of the drivers that have been vocal about the need for the sport to broaden its reach into the African continent, not only for diversity purposes, but also for the growth of it.
What started as a leap of faith turned into a historic journey !!! It’s been real, I love you all ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZrPKmEAzyG
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Wednesday announced a 13-person bid steering committee as South Africa took another significant step towards the sport returning to the country.
It is actually a giant step, as previously the thought of even getting F1 back in South Africa was like an attempt to climb a mountain that refuses to be climbed, with financial question marks lingering about whether the country could afford to host a prestigious event that required significant investment.
But in the words of the minister, the light is a lot brighter at the end of the tunnel.
“I am inundated with people who want to bring money and sponsor the F1 in South Africa. Everybody wants to get involved, so the money issue is the least of my worries. My worry has been sorted out already.”
Salute @LandoNorris 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/8drMgqmfa3
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) December 19, 2024
With that sorted, it then brings in another question that also came up while the ministry announced their plan to have a bid for possibly as early as 2026.
“Are we having a street race? Are we having a race at Kyalami? Are we having a race in the Western Cape? Free State?” asked McKenzie.
While it is uncertain how big a chance a province like the Free State would have of hosting such an event, it could turn out to be a two-horse race between the streets of Cape Town or the Kyalami race circuit.
Cape Town, for obvious reasons, would be the desired destination as it opens up the doors for an audience even larger than South Africans.
It’s already a hot-spot for tourists, and a race in the Mother City could create further economic opportunities.
The city successfully hosted Formula E earlier this year, which could be a big tick in their box.
Media Statement
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) December 18, 2024
18 Dec 2024
Min @GaytonMcK McKenzie had today, announced the diverse team of experts he has invited to form part of South Africa’s Bid Steering Committee (BSC) for the return of Formula One (F1) to the countryhttps://t.co/hG7qVDsiqU#InspiringANationOfWinners pic.twitter.com/mc8m9SuZZL
With all that said, the finances required to build up a street motor racing venue could be very costly.
Kyalami, on the other hand, has successfully hosted multiple races, and despite the changes needed on the circuit, it will cost a lot less to make those adjustments.
Therefore, it should be given first preference to host the return of F1 to the Motherland... | Independent Media Sport