Bidders welcome South African Grand Prix Steering Committee

Parties preparing to bid to host a future South African Grand Prix have welcomed the country's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie announcing a Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee at Kyalami on Wednesday.

Attending on behalf of Motorsport Media, former Ecclestone-era Kyalami Grand Prix and later Phakisa Moto GP organiser, Mr. Bobby Hartslief praised minister McKenzie’s initiative.

“We are delighted to note the minister’s efforts in establishing a large and diverse committee to consider bids for a future South African Grand Prix,” Hartslief admitted.

Hartsleif is however concerned by the tight deadline available to deliver bids.

“The Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee has promised the necessary documentation to prospective bidders within the week, but we also sit on the eve of the annual shutdown, which essentially takes a month out of the already tight deadline to present bids. It would be much appreciated if the committee could consider extending the bid timeline to reasonably accommodate the holiday downtime.

“For the rest, we are confident that among the bids we present Chairperson Bakang Lethoko and the South African Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee will leave them with much to ponder early in the New Year. And that the venue of the future South African Grand Prix is certainly no foregone conclusion.

“In the meantime, we salute minister McKenzie on his foresight and initiative in providing bidders with a structured means of tendering to host the future South African Grand Prix,” Hartslief concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, minister Mackenzie confirmed that the diverse, 13-person BSC chaired by Ms Bakang Lethoko will coordinate the bid process. The committee will ensure that all necessary requirements are met. It will be the only recognised body to engage with Formula 1 officials and stakeholders. It will develop a comprehensive bid document, to be endorsed by the South African Cabinet, before being submitted to the Formula One Group for consideration.

“There has never been a Formula 1 race in South Africa since the dawn of democracy, and that must change.” McKenzie pointed out. “Of course, Rwanda, has also expressed interest in hosting F1. But then Europe has 10 races, Italy, one country, has two. Right now. Africa, with 54 countries, does not even have one race. So, there’s no reason that we can’t all put our names forward. And support each other, to make sure that the World Championship takes place everywhere in the world, as it should.”

“The question is not whether we can afford to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa. But rather whether we can afford not to. I believe we cannot afford not to,” McKenzie emphasised.

He also noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa was fully behind the plan to back F1’s return. And that that the Formula 1 programme would focus on developing young South African men and women drivers. Especially from poorer communities.

Explaining the quick turnaround time for submissions by the middle of February, the Minister said: “We are not looking for bids from people who need to learn about Formula One. They need the experience, know-how, money, sponsor, relationships, and so much more. The Committee is being entrusted to pick the best. My role ends for now and theirs begins. Then we will assess the winning bid once it is given to government for consideration. Hopefully, for submission to Formula 1 for q Grand Prix, even before 2027.”