It’s been more than three decades since Formula One engines last screamed around a South African circuit, but the country is revving up for a comeback. The race to bring F1 back to the continent is in full swing, with two potential tracks battling it out: the historic Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg and a proposed Cape Town street circuit. But will South Africa take the chequered flag, or will another African contender overtake it?
The race to host
South Africa’s bid is being driven (pun intended) by a committee set up by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who told reporters in February: “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that.” Whether it’s held in Cape Town or Johannesburg is still up in the air, but one thing is certain—South Africa wants F1 back, and it wants it bad.
The Kyalami circuit, which last hosted an F1 race in 1993, is tantalisingly close to meeting the required FIA Grade 1 certification. According to Toby Venter, CEO of Kyalami, the track is “90 percent there” and will be fully certified by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Cape Town is proposing a stunning street circuit that would snake through Green Point, around the DHL Stadium, and boast ocean views. Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay even claimed the city’s track would “outclass Monaco.”
Who’s backing the bid?
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has been vocal about F1’s need to return to Africa. “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa,” he said last August. In response, Minister McKenzie has issued a public promise: “Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa. We will not rest until that dream is a reality.”
Liberty Media, which owns F1, has made it clear that expanding to every continent is a priority.
The competition
South Africa isn’t the only one eyeing F1 glory. Rwanda is also in the mix, with President Paul Kagame formally announcing their bid for a Grand Prix in December 2024. The east-central African nation has made a name for itself in sports sponsorships—backing Arsenal and PSG—and is pushing for a futuristic F1 track near Kigali. However political tensions in the region could complicate Rwanda’s bid.
The finish line
South Africa’s bid is well underway, but challenges remain. The cost of hosting an F1 race is eye-watering—organisers need deep pockets, extensive infrastructure, and strong private-sector backing. While the Kyalami circuit is almost race-ready, Cape Town’s street race would require significant investment and approval from local authorities.
That said, South Africa has done it before. We hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, proving our ability to stage world-class sporting events. If all goes to plan, F1 could soon return to African soil, bringing with it jobs, tourism, and high-speed thrills.
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
