South Africa is racing to bring Formula One back to its shores, nearly three decades after its last Grand Prix. Officials are eyeing a spot on the 2027 calendar, with hopes of sneaking onto the 2026 schedule if preparations advance swiftly.
โThis is not just about motorsport; itโs about putting South Africa back on the global stage,โ said Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie at an event in Midrand. He highlighted the economic and cultural impact of hosting F1, calling it an opportunity the country “cannot afford to miss.”
A Team of Experts to Steer the Bid
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has appointed a 14-member Bid Steering Committee (BSC) to oversee the process. Led by Bakang Lethoko, the team includes industry leaders like Gavin Varejes and Andrew Dunn, tasked with meeting the rigorous requirements set by Formula One Group and the Fรฉdรฉration Internationale de lโAutomobile (FIA).
The committee plans to release a request for proposals by the end of the week. A final bid, including the proposed track and host city, will need Cabinet approval before submission.
Africaโs Push for F1 Representation
Minister McKenzie emphasized the importance of Africa hosting an F1 race, noting that Europe has ten races, including two in Italy. โAfrica, with 54 countries, doesnโt even have one. Itโs time for that to change,โ he said.
South Africa faces competition from Morocco and Rwanda, but McKenzie dismissed the rivalry. โThis isnโt a zero-sum game. We can all push for Africa to be represented on the F1 calendar.โ
Addressing Financial Concerns
Critics have questioned South Africaโs ability to finance such an ambitious project. McKenzie countered, citing Rwandaโs bid despite its GDP being 30 times smaller than South Africaโs. โThe question isnโt whether we can afford it, but whether we can afford not to,โ he argued.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity have expressed their full support, viewing F1 as a driver for tourism and investment. According to the minister, the economic boost from motorsport events could be transformative, attracting global attention and creating jobs.
The committeeโs initial proposal deadline is mid-February 2025, with hopes of securing a place on the F1 calendar soon after. โThis is our chance to reignite South Africaโs motorsport legacy,โ McKenzie concluded.
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