Return of Formula One to South Africa moves a BIG step closer
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has moved closer to rejoining the Formula One calendar after motorsport's global governing body, the FIA, approved final design proposals to upgrade the venue to Grade 1 status – a critical requirement for hosting Formula One events.
At a media briefing on Wednesday, circuit owner Toby Venter and Apex Circuit Design founder Clive Bowen announced the milestone, marking the culmination of a five-year development process.
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Apex, the UK-based firm behind the Miami Grand Prix layout, is overseeing the upgrade plans.
'This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,' said Venter.
'When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it as a world-class venue. The FIA's acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward.'
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie was quick to highlight the news on X, posting: 'A massive step towards bringing @F1 to South Africa'.
Kyalami last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1993, won by Alain Prost in a Williams FW15C.
If the planned upgrades are completed and a final inspection is passed, the circuit would become the only FIA Grade 1 venue on the African continent.
The approved plans maintain Kyalami's current layout, but include crucial safety and infrastructure enhancements, such as expanded run-off areas, improved barrier systems, and upgraded kerbing and drainage.
'It's a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms,' Bowen explained, 'but one that aligns the circuit with modern F1 standards.'
The FIA has granted Kyalami a three-year window to complete the work, which will be phased to avoid disrupting the circuit's existing schedule.
Full implementation will depend on whether South Africa secures a place on the Formula One calendar and if Kyalami is selected as the host venue.
'Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami,' said Venter.
'We are ready for the return of Formula One to African soil.'
However, Kyalami still faces competition to be South Africa's preferred destination for a grand prix.
The Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA) recently announced plans to submit a bid to South Africa's Bid Steering Committee (BSC) to return Formula One to the country.
Gayton McKenzie has repeatedly called for the return of F1 to the country and created the BSC to oversee the bid process.
CTGPSA proposed a Formula One street race in the Cape Town Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct, with a 5.7km circuit around the Cape Town Stadium, built to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Cape Town hosted a Formula E, which exclusively features electric sports cars, in 2023, which was estimated to generate over R1 billion in economic impact, despite its relatively minor fanbase compared to Formula One.
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