Kyalami takes steps to secure Formula 1

Kyalami takes steps to secure Formula 1 Since 1961, when the first Formula 1 Grand Prix was hosted at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (Kyalami), generations of spectators have flocked to the iconic circuit to cheer on their favourite racing driver. However, since 1993, the enthusiasm for Formula 1 has been restricted to the parameters of a television screen for South African fans.  Formula 1 and South Africa hit the headlines again when Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, met up with the Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Formula 1 in September 2024. Minister McKenzie noted that we are “one step closer to bringing it [Formula 1] to South Africa” and while at the same event, he also had an “extremely good meeting with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem of FIA” where they discussed support for the F1 bid. The iconic Kyalami has taken proactive steps by engaging the services of Apex Circuit Design (Apex) to prepare a roadmap for FIA Grade 1 accreditation, a requirement to host a modern Formula 1 event.  

Apex is an award winning motorsport engineering consultancy responsible for the design and delivery of the world’s best racetracks. With its rich history of Formula 1 events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events. Sharing the ethos of creating an engaging spectator and participant experience, Kyalami and Apex are working together to prepare Kyalami for FIA Grade 1 accreditation.  

The Kyalami and Apex Teams met with Minister McKenzie to outline plans for FIA Grade 1 accreditation.  An enthusiastic McKenzie thanked Kyalami Circuit Owner, Mr Toby Venter, for his continued service to South Africa through his vision and initiatives to create a desirable, suitable and realistic solution for aspirations to secure the return of Formula 1 to South Africa. Kyalami Management thanks Minister McKenzie and Gauteng Premier, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, for their continued efforts to secure the return of Formula 1 to Africa.  

Whist negotiations with various role players, including Formula 1 owners, Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South Africans can be rest assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula 1.