Cape Town — There’s good news ahead for South African Formula 1 (F1) fans as the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit is set to undergo transformation that will make it possible to host an F1 race.
In a statement, Kyalami said the circuit has taken proactive steps to ensure the track receives FIA (the highest governing body of motorsport) Grade 1 accreditation, which is a requirement to hose an F1 event.
Kyalami has engaged the services of Apex Circuit Design, an award-winning motorsport engineering consultancy responsible for the design and delivery of the world’s greatest racetracks.
“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 1 accreditation,: it said.
Let’s do this 🔥🔥🔥🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/KEkTvvyou5
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 31, 2024
While Formula 1 has remained a popular sport in South Africa, there has not been a Grand Prix held in South Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
However, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, had a meeting with Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September 2024, where the Minister admitted that South Africa was “one step closer to bringing F1 to South Africa.”
Kyalami and Apex met with McKenzie to outline the plans for the Grade 1 accreditation. McKenzie thanked Toby Venter, the Kyalami Circuit Owner, for his continued service to create a desirable, suitable and realistic solution to secure F1’s return to South Africa.
Kyalami Management thanked McKenzie and Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, for their efforts to secure its return.
“Whilst negotiations with various role players, including Formula 1 owners, Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South African can be rest assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula 1,” it concluded.
I wanna thank the owners of Kayalami race track for the investment to upgrade the track to F1 requirements. I wanna thank the APEX group for their expertise. Thank you to Premier @Lesufi 4 assisting greatly. I love seeing a plan getting together. F1 is coming home soon. GNU 🔥👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/geuAikHSat
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 31, 2024
According to The Citizen, the required on-track enhancements include an extended run-off areas at three high-speed corners (Crowthorne, Mineshaft and Cheetah), the installation of techno-barriers, additional tyre walls and widening of the pit lane entry. Apex also recommended that the track should have more public entry points
“Apart from the requirements, we were delighted to learn that our facilities are five-star and that the track surface should be good for at least five years,” Venter added.
Venter said it was hard to guess how long the upgrades would take as it could not disrupt any regular events.
As reported by IOL, a Kyalami spokesperson said the track could possibly be included in the 2027 F1 calendar, and maybe possibly a late entry for the 2026 calendar, if factors allowed.
The estimated costs of the tracks upgrades would likely cost in the region of $10 million (R170 million), while the total costs of hosting the Grand Prix in South Africa are believed to be in the region of R600 million.
Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for a F1 race under African skies.
“The time’s 100% right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” Hamilton said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
