F1 South African Grand Prix Return Moves Closer as Kyalami Talks Progress

South Africa is stepping up efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the country, more than 33 years after the last South African Grand Prix. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that South Africa wants to revive its national F1 race, with the renovated Kyalami circuit emerging as the leading venue. The country is also preparing a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. McKenzie highlighted Africa’s absence from the Formula 1 calendar, noting that Europe hosts several races in close proximity while the entire African continent currently has none. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has provided further encouragement, revealing that discussions regarding a potential African Grand Prix are “progressing very successfully”. Kyalami, which previously hosted the South African Grand Prix, is therefore considered a strong candidate for a future return. However, adding another event to the already 24-round calendar remains a major challenge, particularly as several Grands Prix are set to enter a rotation system from next season.