South Africa will not host a Formula One race in 2027, extending the country’s wait for a Grand Prix to more than three decades
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed the delay, acknowledging that the country had underestimated the requirements for staging a Formula One event.
“Next year, definitely not, because we have underestimated what is required to host the F1 event,” McKenzie said. “But F1 has held our hand. So now what we’re doing is, we’ve got the experts, and we’re putting together a bid. We give them an offer, they can’t refuse.”
The minister announced that a team of experts has been appointed to prepare bids for 2028 or 2029.
The first Formula One Grand Prix in South Africa was held in 1962 at the Prince George Circuit in East London. Graham Hill was crowned World Champion at that race.
The last South African Grand Prix was held in 1993 at Kyalami, which was won by Alain Prost.
Between 1962 and 1993, South Africa hosted Formula One races at two venues:
- East London (1962-1966)
- Kyalami (1967-1985, and again in 1992-1993)
McKenzie and Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit owner Toby Venter have been working to bring Formula One back to South Africa, with government backing supporting the effort. McKenzie first met with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2024.
Work is underway at Kyalami to upgrade the circuit from FIA Grade 2 to Grade 1 status, which is required to host a Grand Prix. The circuit has engaged Apex Circuit Design to prepare the track for accreditation.
No changes to the track layout are planned. Improvements will focus on run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.
Once upgraded, Kyalami will be the only FIA Grade 1 circuit in South Africa.
Morocco is the only other African nation to have hosted a Formula One Grand Prix. Rwanda has also launched a bid to host a race, targeting 2029, which could rival South Africa’s bid.
Several current Formula One drivers have expressed support for racing in Africa. Former world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have both backed the idea.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa,” Hamilton said.
Verstappen told BBC Sport Africa: “I would like to race in Africa. We’re very excited to be on that road.”
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