The unmistakable sound of Formula One engines roaring at full throttle is set to fill the air at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, just north of Johannesburg, with promising developments in South Africa’s pursuit of hosting an F1 Grand Prix. This exciting news comes as the Kyalami Circuit makes strategic moves to meet the rigorous standards required to host a Formula One event, raising the hopes of South African fans eager to see the sport return to their home soil.
After years of lobbying, the dream of bringing F1 back to South Africa is within reach. The iconic Kyalami Circuit, known for its rich motorsport history, has partnered with Apex Circuit Design, a leading motorsport engineering consultancy, to create a detailed roadmap for obtaining the FIA’s Grade 1 certification. This certification is essential for circuits aiming to host Formula One races, and Apex’s involvement signals the seriousness of Kyalami’s commitment.
Revving Up for the Big Day
Apex, known for designing some of the world’s best racing circuits, has outlined several upgrades needed to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 standards. These upgrades, estimated at a cost of $5 million to $10 million (around R88.7M to R177.4M), will address key areas of the circuit. Improvements include expanding run-off areas at high-speed turns such as Crowthorne, Mineshaft, and Cheetah, as well as adding techno-barriers, additional tire walls, and widening the pit lane entry to meet safety requirements.
Kyalami’s owner, Toby Venter, expressed enthusiasm for the project, revealing that the circuit is already about 90% prepared for F1 racing. Venter shared that a formal presentation of these planned upgrades, along with a timeline and potential sources of funding, will be submitted for FIA approval in the coming year. He anticipates that with regulatory approvals in place by mid-2025, construction could be completed within 18 months, in time for the 2027 F1 season.
High Hopes and Big Investments
Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, along with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, has shown strong support for Kyalami’s bid to host F1, recognizing the event’s potential to elevate South Africa on the global sporting stage. McKenzie expressed his appreciation for Kyalami’s commitment and the strategic expertise provided by Apex. He also thanked Premier Lesufi for his assistance, affirming that this project will mark a new chapter for South African motorsport.
Upgrades aren’t limited to the racetrack alone; Kyalami plans to improve accessibility by increasing the number of public entry points. Venter also noted that while extensive renovations are planned, Kyalami’s facilities already meet a five-star standard, with the track surface expected to remain in top condition for at least the next five years.
A Return of F1 Fever to South Africa
Interest in hosting F1 in South Africa gained momentum in recent years, with notable meetings between Minister McKenzie, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. These discussions have kept the spotlight on South Africa’s bid, reinforcing the country’s readiness to rejoin the F1 circuit.
South African fans have long awaited the sport’s return, with the last F1 Grand Prix hosted at Kyalami in 1993. The circuit has a celebrated history, having seen legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell take to its track. Calls for an African race on the F1 calendar have also come from top drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who underscored the need for Africa to reclaim its place in the sport.
Kyalami: A Perfect Host for Formula One
Kyalami’s legacy and enthusiasm for motorsport make it an ideal candidate to host F1 once again. If plans proceed smoothly, fans can look forward to the thrill of watching F1 cars roar through the circuit, reclaiming a historic moment in South African motorsport.
Related article: Formula 1 is Coming to South Africa
