By Fire or by force: South Africa’s Minister reveals plan to bring F1 to Africa after 30 years

South Africa is making a bold move to bring Formula 1 racing back to the country after three decades. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced plans to raise $50 million (R927 million) to support a bid for a 2027 Grand Prix.

McKenzie confirmed discussions with Formula 1 organizers took place last week, with South Africa set to submit its bid in May. Heineken and Red Bull are among potential sponsors being approached to help fund the effort.

“It is clear that people want to invest in this,” McKenzie said. “We have also gotten some promising news that Holland is not coming back, so we might secure that space in 2027.”

A Race Against Time

If successful, the event would mark South Africa’s return to the F1 calendar since its last race at Kyalami in 1993. That race took place just before the country’s first democratic elections ended decades of White-minority rule.

The government is urging potential investors to align with its official bid rather than pursue separate proposals. Cape Town and Johannesburg are leading candidates for the race, with track proposals due by mid-March.

“We want all South Africans and investors to join forces with us,” McKenzie said. “This is a national effort, not a private race.”

Competition from Rwanda

South Africa isn’t the only African nation interested in hosting Formula 1. Rwanda has also expressed interest, but concerns remain over whether its infrastructure meets the sport’s rigorous requirements.

To drum up international support, McKenzie has invited President Cyril Ramaphosa to join him at the Chinese Grand Prix. The move is part of an aggressive push to secure the race spot.

“I am saying to you that if I don’t bring Formula 1 to South Africa, then I have failed as Minister of Sports,” McKenzie declared. “Formula 1 is coming—by fire or by force.”

A previous attempt to host the race in 2023 fell through. But with fresh momentum and a vacant slot on the 2027 calendar, South Africa’s F1 dream may soon become reality.

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