South Africa’s Formula One Bid: A Historic Return to the Continent

South Africa is striving to organize a new Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in over three decades, with competition between a street circuit in Cape Town and Kyalami race track. A selection committee has been formed to determine the winning bid, anticipated by 2027. Notable support from Lewis Hamilton emphasizes Africa’s inclusion in the F1 calendar, amidst considerations of feasibility and regional ambitions from countries like Rwanda.

In a significant development for motorsport, South Africa is making a bid to revive Formula One racing by organizing a new Grand Prix for the first time in over three decades. The competition for hosting this prestigious event is between two prominent locations: a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track situated near Johannesburg.

A committee formed by South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is responsible for the selection process, which is expected to conclude in the third quarter of the year. McKenzie expressed confidence in the bid’s success, declaring, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that.” The Kyalami circuit, notable for its vibrant South African flag-painted track, has a storied history of thrilling races and legendary drivers.

The last F1 race in Africa took place in 1993, won by Alain Prost just prior to the nation’s democratic elections that ended apartheid. South Africa’s bid has garnered support from influential figures such as Lewis Hamilton, who emphasized the importance of including Africa in the F1 calendar, stating, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.”

Under the leadership of Liberty Media, F1 aims to establish events on every continent, making a return to South Africa particularly significant as it marks the post-apartheid era for the sport. Scholar Samuel Tickell noted the importance of such a return, highlighting South Africa’s rich F1 legacy, including its only world champion, Jody Scheckter, who won in 1979.

The logistics of hosting an F1 race in South Africa are deemed feasible by experts. Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport and geopolitical economics, indicated that high organizational costs will not deter nations seeking strategic advantages. Johannesburg’s Kyalami track, currently Grade 2 certified, can be developed to meet F1 standards, while the Cape Town circuit has experienced success hosting other racing events.

Cape Town’s proposed track, described as potential competition for Monaco by CEO Igshaan Amlay, could elevate the city’s global standing. However, the rivalry for hosting may extend beyond the local landscape, with Rwanda also pursuing an F1 bid, bolstered by its investment in sports infrastructure. This could complicate matters for South Africa, although Minister McKenzie raised the question of why Africa is often considered only capable of hosting a single F1 event.

While Rwanda’s involvement in regional conflict poses challenges, the potential for F1 expansion in Africa could allow for multiple races across different nations. The momentum surrounding South Africa’s bid reflects a renewed interest in placing African motorsports ambitions on the global stage, thereby fostering regional pride and heritage as well as economic opportunities.

In conclusion, South Africa’s bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment for the continent’s motorsport aspirations after over 30 years. The competition between Cape Town and Kyalami highlights a growing interest in reviving F1 in Africa, supported by prominent figures advocating for inclusion. The financial viability and strategic advantages of hosting such an event point towards a promising future for motorsports in South Africa and beyond.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com