There has been hearsay about a return of the top tier of motorsport to South African soil but Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has now confirmed that he would like it to return to our country “as soon as possible”.
The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit was an integral part of the Formula 1 season not too long ago with the last race to happen in 1993. Prior to Covid, rumours were emanating of a return to happen before the middle of the decade but the pandemic quashed any firm announcements and commitments from organisers.
It seems as though the momentum has not been lost considering Stefano Domenicali, the Formula 1 CEO stated that: “We have two options for a new race, and the most likely to hopefully happen soon is South Africa,” when speaking to The New York Times.
He further added: “It’s part of our agenda, and there is a commitment to see if this could be on the calendar as soon as possible.” Considering the pothole-free city of Cape Town looks set to host a Formula E race along its city streets next year, there would be two logical options to choose from. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei further divulged details as to the racing series preference by stating: “Johannesburg is definitely on our list. You’d love to have one in Cape Town, but I’m not sure that’s doable, so Johannesburg is the more likely.”
While the privately owned Kyalami may not be ridden with imperfections like the roads that lead towards the historic racetrack, the location is still not of an FIA ‘Grade 1’ Circuit yet. In order to achieve this, further renovations will need to be completed at a cost and this doesn’t include the hefty sum to host the Grand Prix either. Considering this is all speculation, it is unknown how the sport can be financially enticed to return after its 29-year hiatus when compared to the cash cows that are Las Vegas or Miami for example.
Fortunately, a return to Kyalami has been popular with the people of the paddock with McLaren CEO Zak Brown reaffirming this and Lewis Hamilton stating: ‘The one I really want to see is South Africa,’ when asked on a new F1 race addition.
Click here to see the Kyalami 9 Hour gallery.