Many fans around the world hope to see Formula 1 race again in South Africa. The last race in Africa was in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit. Since then, there has been a long wait. Recently, there have been new efforts and attention toward bringing F1 back to South Africa, especially to Kyalami. But the road ahead is full of challenges. What is the current situation, and will South Africa really host a race soon? Let's explore.
The Upgrades at Kyalami and the Road to F1
In 2025, South Africa took a big step forward when the Kyalami circuit received approval from the FIA to upgrade its facilities. The upgrades are important because they allow the circuit to reach FIA Grade 1 status, which is needed to host Formula 1 races. The work includes improving run-off areas, barriers, fences, and adding new kerbs. These changes are designed to make the circuit safer and meet international standards.
However, the upgrades do not change the 4.5-kilometer layout of the track itself. This means that the race track will stay the same, but the safety features and infrastructure will be improved. The hope is that these enhancements will persuade F1 organizers and teams to consider Kyalami as a future race venue.
Despite Progress, Many Challenges Remain
Even with these advances, many hurdles still block the way for F1 to return to South Africa. Government officials announced plans for a bid to bring F1 back, but the process has been complicated and somewhat messy. The bidding process involved three different proposals, including those from Kyalami and Cape Town. One bid from Cape Town was even disqualified over a fee dispute, which raised concerns about transparency and fairness.
Funding is a major issue. South Africa's economy faces serious problems, with a high unemployment rate of nearly 33%. Hosting a Formula 1 race requires large investments in infrastructure, such as roads, hotels, and airport facilities, beyond just the race circuit. This makes the long-term sustainability of an African Grand Prix uncertain.
Other countries, like Rwanda and Morocco, also show interest in hosting F1 races, but similar questions about support and funding exist there. Thailand has already committed to hosting a race in Bangkok from 2028, showing a strong government backing and a clear plan involving a new 5.7 km circuit. This contrasts with South Africa’s more uncertain situation.
Formula 1’s management is cautious about expanding to new places without guarantees of long-term support and stability. Past examples like India and Vietnam show that financial or political problems can cause races to be canceled quickly. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of F1, emphasizes that new races must promise long-term benefits for communities and infrastructure before being added to the calendar.
Most experts believe that South Africa’s chance of hosting a race could be delayed until 2028 or later. There is no rush from F1, which prefers steady and sustainable growth of new venues. The focus is on ensuring that any new race can succeed and be supported for many years. For now, South Africa remains hopeful, but the dream of a South African Grand Prix is still a few years away.
In conclusion, South Africa’s return to F1 is a story of hope mixed with difficulties. The improvements at Kyalami are promising, but financial, political, and logistical obstacles need to be overcome. Fans can stay optimistic, but for now, a new African race might have to wait until the conditions are right and long-term plans are firmly in place. The journey to bring F1 back to Africa continues, but it is unlikely to happen before 2028.
