F1 boss questions ‘long-term sustainability' of South African GP
The return of a South African GP has been top of mind for F1 bosses for some time now. For Liberty Media, under F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's reign, the goal was to have every continent represented on the F1 calendar. As such, the only continent missing from the current world championship is Africa.
However, of the three separate projects brewing – including a South African GP in either Kyalami or Cape Town, and a Rwandan race – 'progress has slowed.' This is the viewpoint of the F1 supremo, speaking this past weekend in Monaco. Insiders say Kyalami is still in pole position for a South African GP bid. Image: File
'Negotiations are ongoing, we are gradually moving forward and working together to find the best solution. However, when a new opportunity arises, it is important to make sure that it has long-term prospects. We cannot go to a new place once or twice, without a guarantee that we will stay there for a long time,' Domenicali said.
'Of the three venues, I do not expect any decisions in the short term. As you know, we are really interested in holding a GP on the African continent but, for now, we're trying to find the right plan. Hopefully we will be able to tell you more about this project soon,' said the Italian.
Since a formal South African GP bid went ahead with government backing, things have taken a turn for the worse. International relations with the United States are at an all-time low. And US President Donald Trump's proposed trade tariffs could impact an international business like F1.
Moreover, rebel fighting in central Africa represents an entirely new and unwanted type of trouble for Formula One organisers on the continent. As such, trouble in Africa could be music to the ears of race organisers in Europe ready to pick up the pieces. Madrid is taking over the official title of Spanish GP title from 2026, with this week's race being the last year of the Circuit de Catalunya's existing contract. Senna, Prost and Schumacher battle in the 1993 South African GP. Image: File
At the centre of negotiations for a new deal is Miquel Samper, who doubles as President of the Barcelona circuit. 'Negotiations are going very well, moving forward. That's the reality, but it also means absolutely nothing. This type of negotiation, with so many circuits currently wanting to host a grand prix, forces us to be very discreet. Like when we were able to close the agreement with MotoGP and Dorna,' concluded Samper. – with GMM
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