South Africa last hosted an F1 grand prix at Kyalami in 1993, after hosting its run between the 1967 and 1985 seasons, before returning in 1992 following the end of apartheid .
As part of Formula 1’s push to compete on every continent and thus fully regain its world championship status, the series has been in talks about a possible return to South Africa for the past few months.
Following the conclusion of last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali traveled to South Africa, where he will meet with Kyalami organizers and other stakeholders these days to further discuss the return of F1. race.
Although until now there had been talk of the 2024 season as the date of his possible return, everything seems to indicate that F1 could return to South Africa next year.
Kyalami ‘s return would add to an already congested calendar for 2023 and, if he hasn’t already reached it, he would be very close to reaching the 24-race limit stipulated by the regulations.
It has already been confirmed that the Qatar Grand Prix will return to the calendar with a new 10-year extension agreement, after holding its inaugural event last year, while the first Las Vegas Grand Prix has also been announced for November 2023.
China is another race that has a contract in place to return to the calendar next season, although its presence remains unclear due to COVID-19 restrictions in the country.
From the current 22-race calendar, it appears that the French Grand Prix will leave an empty slot, while there are also many questions about the future of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa .
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has undoubtedly been one of the drivers who has been most insistent on returning to South Africa, stating that it is a place “dear to my heart” and that he was sure going there would increase the already “great interest there is” in the category.
Speaking at the Business of F1 Forum organized by Motorsport Network and the Financial Times in Monaco, F1’s global director of racing promotion, Chloe Targett-Adams , said an event in Africa was “something we’ve been working on for many years.” years”.
“COVID-19 showed us that we can move quickly, but really, getting to where we want to be strategically, creating what we want and building a great fan base, it’s a process that takes a couple of years,” Targett-Adams said.
“The United States is still in our sights. And I think Africa and Asia is where we need to be as well. If you look at China, we’ve been out of that market for about three years. And next season is still an unknown.”
“We have to focus on Africa and Asia , I think, in the short to medium term, and how we keep racing in Europe, making sure that it remains the heart of the sport.”
“We are in a perfect position, because everyone wants to have a race. That gives us a very good opportunity to create a calendar that is more focused on growth compared to what we have been able to do for many years,” he concluded.
