“The negotiations are ongoing to include Kyalami on the 2024 calendar”
While hopes of seeing the South African Grand Prix back on the F1 calendar seemed to be vanishing, it may now be possible that Kyalami's management is on track to bring back their circuit as early as 2024.
Originally, the plan was for 2023 to be the year of the return for the South African Grand Prix, 30 years after the last edition. However, just a month ago, 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter indicated that a “conflict of interest” within the team responsible for bringing back the Kyalami circuit onto the international scene had prevented the Formula 1’s return to the African continent.
State Support
Finally, the rumor that the government of the country would intervene to support the project has spread. A spokesperson for the circuit, belonging to Porsche South Africa, confirms that discussions are underway. If this were to succeed, there is no doubt that the chances of achieving the completion of the project would be more plausible.
Kyalami is not an event promoter, emphasized Christo Kruger, Public Relations Manager for Porsche South Africa.
The Kyalami would conclude a site rental agreement with a potential promoter to host a Formula 1 race. The promoter will negotiate with various stakeholders, including the government, to ensure an adequate financing model.
The negotiations with the promoter are ongoing and we remain hopeful that acceptable conditions can be met as soon as possible to guarantee a Formula 1 race at Kyalami in 2024.
Kyalami instead of Spa-Francorchamps?
If the South African Grand Prix were to make a comeback in Formula 1, it would most likely be at the expense of another race, rather than adding another round to the calendar.
Having signed a last-minute contract just for 2023, the Belgian circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is once again in danger. Baku is also at the end of its contract, but the event’s organization has indicated that they are in negotiations with the FOM to extend the contract.
