The Kyalami Circuit could host F1 races again in the near future (Image: Getty)
The South African Grand Prix has taken another step towards a spot on the F1 calendar after the country’s sports ministry announced an official bidding campaign. The campaign targets a 10-year deal for the new event, although a location has not yet been selected.
The series hasn’t raced in South Africa since 1993, but Gayton McKenzie, the country’s minister of sports, arts, and culture, has been vocal in his desire to bring open-wheel racing back to Africa. He has the support of star , and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is also hopeful.
Now, the bidding process has commenced. A new 37-page document from the South African government read: “The DSAC has been in direct communication with F1 Management, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, to align with the necessary hosting standards.
“A bidding process for potential promoters has been initiated, with the DSAC forming the F1 BSC [Bid Steering Committee] to manage this process, assess bids, and select a promoter. Comprising 12 members from various sectors such as motorsport, broadcasting, media and law, the BSC will assess each proposal for financial robustness and infrastructural adequacy.
“While no venue has been definitively chosen, potential Promoters and/or host city and venue partners are encouraged to suggest any suitable location (subject to the criteria detailed in this document) within South Africa.
“After the BSC’s recommendation, the final bid or short-listed bids will go to the DSAC for consideration before being submitted to F1 Management.”
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Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal supporter of the race (Image: Getty)
While the full list of interested parties is unknown, the existing Kyalami Circuit is a leading contender. Apex Circuit Design – the company behind the Miami International Autodrome – have been contracted to oversee developments that will restore the track to FIA Grade One standards, and the venue has experience hosting F1 events in the past.
If the South African GP bid is successful, the event will feature on the calendar from 2026 or 2027 onwards. However, F1 already has a full schedule of events, and the Madrid Grand Prix is already confirmed for 2026 onwards, so it will need to oust an existing race from the programme.
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The most likely contender is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Races at the legendary Imola track have flattered to deceive in recent years, and its contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
The Mexican Grand Prix (contract also up in 2025) will be under pressure, too, following the departure of . Meanwhile, organisers for the Spanish and Azerbaijan Grands Prix will both be sweating with their contracts both set to expire in 2026.