The deadline for bids to host a South African Formula One Grand Prix has officially passed, with Cape Town and Kyalami emerging as the strongest contenders.
South Africa has been absent from the F1 calendar since 1993, when Alain Prost claimed victory at Kyalami in a Williams-Renault. Efforts to bring the race back have repeatedly stalled due to financial hurdles, but with government backing, this time could be different.
In December 2024, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced a steering committee of experts to oversee South Africa’s official bid. The initial submission deadline in February was pushed to March 18, allowing potential hosts more time to prepare proposals.
‘Bringing Formula One to South Africa would be a game-changer for tourism, the economy, and development. This extension ensures every bidder has a chance to present their strongest case,’ McKenzie said.
While McKenzie’s office has not disclosed how many bids were submitted, reports from Times Live suggest the choice will likely come down to Kyalami or Cape Town.
Kyalami, located in Midrand, has history on its side, having hosted F1 races since 1967. Circuit owner Toby Venter believes the track is ‘90% ready’ to meet F1 standards, requiring between $5 million and $10 million to secure FIA Grade 1 certification.
Cape Town, on the other hand, is pushing two separate proposals. One bid, led by Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA), would see an F1 race on the same 5.7km street circuit used for the city’s 2023 Formula E race. The track winds through the Green Point sports precinct, home to DHL Stadium.
A second, independent Cape Town bid—backed by US-based Boundless Motorsport—proposes constructing a brand-new FIA-certified circuit near the city. Spearheaded by South African-born Bobby Hartslief, a former Kyalami and Phakisa MotoGP organiser, this ambitious project would accommodate over 125 000 spectators.
The cost of hosting an F1 race is steep, with estimates around R2 billion. Despite potential sponsorship interest, ticket prices are expected to be high, mirroring international trends. At last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, the cheapest adult ticket cost roughly R2 000.
South Africa faces competition from other African nations, with Morocco and Rwanda also exploring bids to host the prestigious event.
McKenzie, a dedicated motorsport enthusiast, has made it clear that he wants South Africa back on the F1 calendar by 2027—if not sooner. His push for a Grand Prix gained momentum after a meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With the bidding process now closed, all eyes are on the selection committee as they prepare to make a final decision on South Africa’s official host city.
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Picture: Roberta Cicuccio / Gallo Images
