Formula 1 lining up for a major comeback in South Africa

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received approval to amend its design, opening the possibility of Formula One returning to the country.

Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami Circuit was the home of the South African Grand Prix, hosting 21 F1 Grand Prix races. On top of F1, the circuit has hosted MotoGP and several other motor sport events.

The last F1 Grand Prix in South Africa was hosted in 1993, just a year before South Africa transitioned to democracy.

The current 4.522km layout was upgraded in 2016 and holds an FIA Grade 2 certification, with the surrounding precinct turning into a self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity.

The circuit has now received confirmation that the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) has accepted proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status.

This is the highest international standard for a race track and is required to host an F1 race.

“The FIA’s written acceptance of the amended design marks a significant achievement,” said the circuit.

“Once the capital works are completed and a final inspection conducted, Kyalami will become Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent.”

Circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, said the circuit upgrade took five years of planning, which culminated in the FIA’s approval.

Apex is an internationally recognised circuit design house that steered the design of the new Miami street circuit.

“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent,” said Venter.

“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a significant step forward in that journey.”

The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade will require no change to the circuit’s layout, and will focus on improving run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.

“This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.

The FIA plan approval gives Kyalami three years to complete the intended upgrades.

Works will initially commence during periods when current business partners face no disruption to their events.

Selected works will then be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the F1 calendar and Kyalami being chosen as the preferred hosting venue.

Competition

Despite already hosting several Grand Prixes, Kyalami faces competition to be South Africa’s preferred destination for a race.

The Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA) recently announced plans to submit a bid to South Africa’s Bid Steering Committee (BSC) to return F1 to the country.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has repeatedly called for the return of F1 to the country and created the BSC to oversee the bid process.

CTGPSA proposed an F1 street race in the Cape Town Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct, with a 5.7km circuit around the DHL Stadium.

The race could deliver a significant economic boost, with NWU economics professor Waldo Krugell noting that major events, such as F1, can lead to additional spending, accelerating economic growth.

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 F1.