The dream of bringing Formula One back to South Africa is gaining serious traction, with three official bids submitted to the South African F1 Bid Steering Committee by the 18 March 2025 deadline. As the race to host an F1 Grand Prix intensifies, Cape Town and Kyalami have emerged as the leading contenders, each presenting compelling cases to bring the high-octane spectacle to African soil.

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The Bidding War: Cape Town vs. Kyalami

Last month, Cape Town Grand Prix organisers revealed updated details of their ambitious street race proposal. The envisioned 5.7-kilometre circuit winds through the scenic Green Point area, incorporating the waterfront and taking advantage of existing infrastructure, including the DHL Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Cape Town GP CEO Igshaan Amlay said the latest design includes state-of-the-art features and can accommodate up to 250,000 spectators. “It’s a street circuit that runs partly along the waterfront and utilizes world-class facilities. We’re offering a central, accessible venue that brings F1 into the heart of the city,” Amlay told Motorsport.com.

Meanwhile, Kyalami, situated in Midrand just north of Johannesburg, is also making a strong case. With a rich Formula 1 heritage and the distinction of having hosted races as far back as 1961, including iconic names like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, the circuit is considered a sentimental favourite.

Kyalami is already 90% prepared to host a Grand Prix and has brought in Apex Circuit Design to chart the final steps toward obtaining FIA Grade 1 certification. Tobie Venter, owner of the circuit, has committed R177 million toward necessary upgrades, bolstering its chances in the bidding process.

Evaluation Underway

Bakang Lethoko, chairperson of the South African F1 Bid Steering Committee, confirmed that the evaluation of bids is now underway to assess their compliance with the criteria laid out in the Request for Expression of Interest.

“We’re optimistic that these proposals provide a real glimpse into the possibility of hosting an F1 Grand Prix here in South Africa,” Lethoko stated. The initial phase of evaluation is expected to wrap up by the end of April 2025.

Following this, selected bidders will move to Phase 2, where they will need to submit detailed plans aligning with both Formula One standards and South Africa’s national development goals.

When Could We See F1 in SA?

If successful, South Africa could return to the F1 calendar as early as 2027. Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed cautious optimism, hinting at the possibility of an earlier debut.

“Realistically, 2027 is the target. But I’m hopeful we could see progress by 2026,” McKenzie said. He also acknowledged the potential cost of hosting the event, estimated at R2 billion, though he emphasized that most of the financial burden would be carried by the private sector.

With the Dutch Grand Prix expected to fall off the F1 schedule after 2026, some have speculated that this might open a slot for South Africa. However, no confirmation has been given on that front.

The Road Ahead

As the competition heats up between Cape Town’s street circuit dream and Kyalami’s revival of tradition, the decision will ultimately hinge on a blend of logistical readiness, fan experience, economic impact, and compliance with Formula One standards.

Both bids present exciting opportunities for South Africa to return to the global motorsport stage. Whether it’s the scenic streets of Cape Town or the time-honoured track at Kyalami, F1 fans across the continent are eagerly awaiting the outcome. One thing is certain — Formula One is closer than ever to making a thrilling return to Africa.