Cape Town Grand Prix South Africa (CTGPSA) has undertaken to submit an official bid to the Bid Steering Committee (BSC) for the return of Formula One to South Africa, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This follows after the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie announced his intention to see Formula 1 back in the country for the first time since 1993, earlier last year.
Should the bid be successful, Cape Town could be set to host a Formula 1 race. CTGPSA has drafted plans for a 5.7km street circuit in the Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct, where the Formula E race took place in 2023.
The CTGPSA further confirmed written support and endorsement from the Western Cape Government’s Director of Sports Promotion, TD Tutu, to host the F1 Grand Prix.
Commenting on the matter and the personal support offered by McKenzie, the CTGPSA CEO, Igshaan Amlay, said, ‘with local and international support, we are ready to take the next step in making this dream a reality.’
According to IOL, McKenzie informed Amlay in August of 2024 that the department will conduct a thorough review of the matter and emphasised their commitment to evaluating and supporting the initiative appropriately.
Hosting a Formula 1 race in South Africa would not only bring excitement to existing local F1 fans but it would generate multiple benefits to the economy at large. BusinessTech reports that hosting major global events results in additional spending, which ultimately boosts economic growth.
While the Mother City will have to outbid Johannesburg’s Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, a Formula 1 race in Cape Town remains on the cards and in the works.
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Picture: Nic Bothma / Reuters
