South Africa extends deadline for F1 bids

After the failure in 2023 of a project aimed at relaunching the South African race at Kyalami, the government continues its efforts to end 32 years of absence of F1 in the country.

As previously reported, the country’s Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture has established a Bid Steering Committee to invite potential promoters and organizers to submit their proposals.

Read also: Mohammed Ben Sulayem campaigns for a return of F1 to Africa

An additional delay

Kyalami, which hosted the last South African Grand Prix in 1993, is one of the favorites, subject to ongoing work to elevate the circuit to the required FIA Grade 1 standard.

Another application comes from the Cape Town Grand Prix SA, which wishes to organize a race on a 5.7 km urban circuit around Cape Town’s waterfront and the DHL Stadium, a site that previously hosted a one-off Formula E race in 2023. An alternative option being considered is a purpose-built circuit on the outskirts of the city.

The initial call for tenders was published on January 17 with a deadline set for January 31. However, the ministry has extended this deadline to March 18 to allow applicants to develop and submit a more comprehensive expression of interest.

The Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Bid Steering Committee (BSC), has extended the deadline for the submission of Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for South Africa’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix until March 18, 2025 », the ministry stated.

« This extension aims to give stakeholders the necessary time to submit solid and well-structured proposals, in accordance with the RFEOI requirements. The ministry is committed to ensuring a transparent and competitive process to secure this prestigious motorsport event. We encourage all parties to seize this opportunity to support South Africa’s ambitions in Formula 1. »

The end of January was not the only ambitious deadline mentioned in the 37-page document, which mentioned a possible return of the race as early as 2026, or even 2027.

A significant challenge

The Formula 1 calendar for 2026 is already full, with Mexico favored to clinch the last spot over Imola. Hosting a race by 2027 would also represent a significant challenge.

Nevertheless, the Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, is actively pursuing his campaign to bring F1 back to South Africa. He had met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in Baku last year for exploratory discussions, which led him to declare that the race is going to take place.

Gayton McKenzie recently added: « Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix would boost our economy, tourism, and development while showcasing South Africa as a leading global sports destination. This extension ensures candidates have the necessary time to prepare outstanding proposals. »

Other countries are also considering hosting a Grand Prix in the long term, including Rwanda, which has officially submitted its candidacy to host a race in its capital, Kigali, on a circuit currently designed by Alex Wurz.

F1 is also looking to expand in Asia, with Thailand and South Korea as the main candidates.