Formula One’s return to South Africa takes a major step forward

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has taken a major step toward rejoining the Formula One calendar after the FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, approved the final design proposals to upgrade the track to Grade 1 status, a key requirement for hosting F1 races.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, circuit owner Toby Venter and Apex Circuit Design founder Clive Bowen announced the milestone, which marks the end of a five-year development effort.

Apex, the UK-based company that designed the Miami Grand Prix circuit, is leading the Kyalami upgrade project.

“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’.

Final inspection

Kyalami last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1993, won by Alain Prost in a Williams FW15C.

If officials complete the planned upgrades and pass the final inspection, the circuit will become the only FIA Grade 1 venue in Africa.

The approved plans keep Kyalami’s existing layout but add important safety and infrastructure improvements, including larger run-off areas, better 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.”

Stiff competition

However, Kyalami still competes to become South Africa’s preferred grand prix venue.

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

Gayton McKenzie has repeatedly pushed for F1’s return and established the BSC to manage the bidding 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.