The name (Image: Getty)
South Africa has illustrated its keenness to secure a spot as one of the 21 countries to host the Formula 1 races in 2027.
Talks have already begun with potential sponsors, such as Heineken and , with aims to raise £40 million.
If successful, the race would make its long-awaited return to Africa.
The last time a Formula 1 race was held in an African country was in 1993 , by none other than South Africa themselves.
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie called for all interested investors to collaborate with the government rather than pursuing separate bids, to better their chances at securing a spot.
“I am saying to you that if I don’t bring Formula 1 to South Africa, then I have failed as a Minister of Sports,” McKenzie said of the position to which he was appointed in June as part of a newly formed coalition government.
He continued to add, “Formula 1 is coming by fire or by force.”
Alain Prost was the winner of the 1993 Grand Prix, Kyalami, South Africa (Image: Getty)
South Africa has a unique place in the history of Formula 1, going right back to its earliest days.
The country has been a part of the Formula 1 journey since the 1960s, with the famed Kyalami circuit being one of the sport’s most adored tracks.
It all began with the first official Grand Prix that was held in 1962, where South Africa made their debut as one of its hosts.
This marked the country as one of the first non-Eroupean countries to join Formula 1’s expanding global circuit.
The circuit took on legendary drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Jack Brabham, each leaving their mark on the South African circuit.
After the apartheid ended in 1991, there were two more races held in 1992 and 1993.
Since then no African country has hosted these races.
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This was Keke Rosberg’s first Formula 1 race (Image: Getty)
To date, proposals are being made by potential investors.
One so far is the revival of the Kyalami circuit, just outside of Johannesburg.
Another more ambitious option would be to build a 5.7km street circuit around Cape Town’s waterfront and 55,000-capacity DHL Stadium.
In any case, the deadline for proposals has been extended to 18th March from its original date of 31st January.
“This extension aims to give stakeholders additional time to submit comprehensive, well-structured proposals in line with RFEOI [Request for Expression of Interest] requirements. The Ministry is committed to a transparent and competitive process to secure this prestigious motorsport event.
“The Ministry urges stakeholders to use this opportunity to support South Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions.”