The topic of Formula 1 returning to South Africa has been extensively discussed, and recent reports indicate that the prospects for SA Grand Prix are bleak due to perceived “political barriers.”
The process of bringing back Formula 1 to South Africa has been marked by a prolonged and contentious journey, involving allegations of greed and protracted negotiations.
However, emerging reports suggest that South Africa’s political ties with Russia may have been the decisive factor leading to the abandonment of the South African F1 Grand Prix.
Related: Jody Scheckter: “The guy from Kyalami got greedy” for 2023 F1 race
Speculations indicate that South Africa’s political relationship with Russia influenced the decision to halt the progress of the SA F1 Grand Prix deal. When approached for comment, a spokesperson from Kyalami declined to provide further information.
The absence of the Russian Grand Prix from Formula 1’s calendar, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with the ban imposed on Russian and Belarusian drivers who refused to sign a neutrality agreement, underscores the impact of geopolitical factors on Formula 1’s decisions.
Notably, the South African government’s failure to denounce the war or Russia’s actions has strained its relations with NATO members, particularly the United States.
Earlier this year, the status of the F1 deal was a topic of discussion when Jody Scheckter made statements regarding its progress.
Related: A Kyalami South African F1 race is Lewis Hamilton’s “huge dream”
Warren Scheckter, Jody’s nephew, had played a prominent role in spearheading the deal, but negotiations eventually broke down.
Currently, the event is being promoted by a Miami-based sports investment company called “777.”
Notably, Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 World Champion, recently expressed his interest and desire for Formula One to return to South Africa, garnering attention as the most recent significant development related to the South African Grand Prix deal.
