Discussions are intensifying for a return of South Africa to F1 in 2024
Formula 1 could make its return to Africa, thirty years after leaving it. The Kyalami circuit in South Africa hosted 20 Grand Prix races between 1967 and 1993, and its comeback to the calendar would be under consideration.
Formula 1 could make a comeback in Africa. The continent hosted 23 Grand Prix races, including 20 on the South African track of Kyalami between 1967 and 1993. While the calendar continues to grow with a record number of 23 races scheduled for this season, Africa is the only continent not represented.
Lewis Hamilton had expressed his strong support for the idea of returning to Africa. « We go to all the other continents, so why not? I think it’s important for the sport to go there. Moreover, my ancestors come from Africa, so it’s also important to me personally. »
Chloe Targett-Adams, in charge of relations with Grand Prix organizers, had supported the initiative of the seven-time world champion in February 2021. « I completely agree with Lewis, Africa is a continent where we don’t race, and it’s a shame. It’s a place we really want to [visit], it’s a priority. We have been in talks for a few years now, exploring possible options. »
More recently, Stefano Domenicali, the Formula 1 boss, has echoed this sentiment. « I think there is potential to be in Africa soon. There is a lot of interest there. For sure, it’s a place that is currently missing from our calendar’s geography. »
The organizers of the circuit would be very supportive of a return of Formula 1 to Kyalami, as they explained to journalist Junaid Samodien. The CEO of the circuit, Toby Venter, who is also the boss of Porsche South Africa, has already revitalized a track that had deteriorated.
I’ve approached Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit for a statement after stories were published of a possible #F1 return to South Africa in 2024
Statement reads as follows: “Toby Venter (Kyalami CEO) is on record as saying that he will be delighted to see Formula 1 return to Kyalami.” pic.twitter.com/zTePcs0qDN
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) April 11, 2022
The Kyalami circuit is currently a Grade 2 circuit, which prevents it from hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Therefore, certain construction works will need to be carried out on the South African track to make it compliant with the requirements of the premier category. The main works involve adding run-off areas and investing in TecPro barriers. If the Kyalami circuit is chosen to return to the calendar, it will certainly take some time before any official announcement is made.
