South Africa bid for Formula 1 Grand Prix return to Kyalami in 2027

Friday, 20 December 2024 at 15:33

South Africa's Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie formally introduced the Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee earlier this week to bring the sport back to Kyalami as early as 2026 or 2027.

McKenzie revealed details of the committee’s bid for F1 to return to Kyalami, as well as how legend Lewis Hamilton helped the "dream" come to fruition: “We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race. South Africa is the greatest country.

“We want Rwanda to get Formula 1; we want South Africa to get Formula 1. Why, when it comes to Africa, must it be one? Rwanda’s time is here; South Africa’s time is here. It is not a zero-sum game; it doesn’t need to be South Africa. It doesn’t need to be Rwanda. One of the two, you just need to look at Formula 1 to know. We wish Rwanda well!

“Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa. I’m standing here to tell you that we will not rest until your dream comes to a realisation that you will race in South Africa," declared McKenzie.

Gayton McKenzie appoints the Bid Steering Committee

Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, or as they say, ‘Minister of Happiness,’ formally introduced the Formula One (F1) Bid Steering Committee to the media on Wednesday, 18 December, at the Kyalami Grand Prix in Johannesburg, South Africa.

McKenzie revealed the Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee, consisting of figures from motorsport, broadcasting, and business, tasked with leading the official national bid. The committee includes:

Anton Roux, Chairperson of Motorsport South Africa
Vick Marat, CEO of Motorsport South Africa
Rendani Rova, CEO of SuperSport
Steven Watson, a renowned motorsport expert
Shane Waters, prominent events coordinator
Shanil Lee Kruger and other specialists

The committee chaired by Bakang Lethoko, the minister’s chief of staff, aims to bring F1 to South Africa in 2027, or possibly in 2026, per Minister McKenzie: “This team will decide where the race will be held. Kyalami is iconic, but other cities also have the potential to showcase our capabilities."

McKenzie also indicated the importance of inclusivity: “We wanted women to be involved; we wanted people who love this country, patriots who are passionate about the sport.”

McKenzie: We have hosted the World Cup; South Africa is ready

A significant aspect of the committee’s duties will involve selecting the city and racetrack to be proposed for consideration. Additionally, the committee will oversee the bid process and ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.

McKenzie mentioned the committee has two months to pick a racetrack and submit a bid for Cabinet approval. An update on their choice is expected by late February. He trusts in South Africa’s readiness from previous successful events like the 2010 World Cup.

“We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race. South Africa is the greatest country," he told SportsBoom.com.

An event of this magnitude is poised to benefit the economy of South Africa, according to McKenzie. In response to the concerns regarding the financial viability of hosting Formula 1, McKenzie emphasised that the advantages surpass the associated costs.

“Hosting Formula 1 is not just an expense: it’s an investment. Tourism will boom, employment opportunities will be created, and sponsors will rush in to be part of the event, he said.

Hamilton is a big advocate for Formula 1 to return to Africa.

Lewis Hamilton, one of the most celebrated figures in the Formula One race, has openly expressed his aspirations to race in South Africa.

McKenzie pointed out, “Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa. I’m standing here to tell you that we will not rest until your dream comes to a realisation that you will race in South Africa."

Rwanda's bid to host the Formula 1 presents an opportunity for Africa to unite, says McKenzie, after President Paul Kagame expressed his interest in entering the Formula 1 bidding process for a race. Although many believe that the only one opportunity is available, Mckenzie commented on the situation: “We want Rwanda to get Formula 1; we want South Africa to get Formula 1; why, when it comes to Africa, must it be one?”

"Rwanda’s time is here; South Africa’s time is here. It is not a zero-sum game; it doesn’t need to be South Africa. It doesn’t need to be Rwanda. One of the two, you just need to look at Formula One to know. We wish Rwanda well!"

McKenzie asked a critical question: "Why when it comes to Africa, we should be treated like we only can get one while you have Europe that has seven, it can’t be." And suggests that this should present an opportunity for Africa to unite, he even wants to work with Rwanda.

Regarding Kyalami and the readiness of the racetrack, where Formula 1 last raced in Africa back in 1993, its CEO, Toby Venter, said: “We are 90 percent there, but the last ten percent will be done next year. What has already been done is a detailed plan of what we have to do and how we have to do it.

"Kyalami, as you all know, is a viable business entity in its own right without Formula 1, and it is very busy, so our job is to fit in the construction and not disrupt our business activities. Rest assured, by the end of next year, Kyalami will be F1 certified," concluded Venter.

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