Towards a return of F1 in Africa: Kyalami seeking FIA accreditation

The Kyalami circuit has just launched the procedures to obtain the precious Grade 1 accreditation from the FIA, essential to hope to see the South African Grand Prix back on the Formula 1 calendar. This iconic circuit, which hosted its first Grand Prix in 1967 and whose last F1 race dates back to 1993, could thus reconnect with the most prestigious of disciplines in motorsport.

Renewed interest

For several years, Formula 1 has shown a keen interest in expanding towards the African continent. However, no African circuit has so far met the safety and performance standards required by the FIA, delaying the project of F1’s return to Africa.

For the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, this absence is a real void. <a href="/f1/actualite/34386-le-rwanda-discussion-f1-organiser-grand-prix.html" title="Rwanda in discussions with F1 to organize a Grand Prix.

During discussions about a Grand Prix in Rwanda, he emphasized the importance of not ignoring the fact that no Grand Prix is held in Africa, insisting on the need to integrate this continent into the world championship.

To accomplish this project, Kyalami is collaborating with Apex Circuit Design, a renowned company in the design and renovation of circuits, including the Miami International Autodrome. Their goal: align the layout with FIA criteria and make it suitable to host current F1 single-seaters.

A circuit ready for the race

In this context, Gayton McKenzie, South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, recently met in Azerbaijan with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA.

Thanks to the agreement with Apex, the return of F1 to South Africa is closer than ever, he said.

The officials at the Kyalami circuit are also ready to host top-level races again: With its rich history of Formula 1 events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host high-level international motor racing events. […] Kyalami and Apex are working together to prepare Kyalami for FIA Grade 1 accreditation. While negotiations with various stakeholders, including Formula 1 owners Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South Africans can be assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula 1.

With the support of Apex Circuit Design and ongoing discussions with the FIA and the F1 authorities, this project marks a significant step towards the long-awaited return of the championship to Africa.