Will Formula 1 come back to Africa?

By Erin Arends

Formula 1 is a global sport that showcases speed, innovation, and the pinnacle of motorsport talent. Yet, despite its worldwide appeal, the African continent remains absent from the racing calendar. The history of Formula 1 in South Africa began in the early 1960s and was marked as one of the earliest non-European countries to join the ever-expanding F1 calendar. Since then, the number of South African viewership has increased drastically, with many, including the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gaten McKenzie, vouching for the South African Grand Prix to be added back to the Formula 1 calendar.

A picture of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit via Getty Images.

Formula 1’s journey in South Africa started with the first Grand Prix being held in 1962 in East London. In 1967, the race found a new home at the newly built Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng. With its high-speed straights and challenging corners, Kyalami quickly became one of the most exciting circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. The track is primarily known for testing the drivers' skills due to its high-altitude location and high temperatures. The international anti-apartheid movement in the mid-1980s led to the temporary suspension of the South African Grand Prix. With the ongoing political crisis, the presence of Formula 1 became a controversial topic in South Africa, and the race was officially removed from the calendar by 1985. After the end of apartheid, the race made a brief return in 1992 and 1993. Still, financial and logistical challenges arose, which led to Kyalami being unable to retain its place on the Formula 1 calendar.

Since its removal in 1993, Africa has been the only continent not to feature a Formula 1 race, which means that Formula 1 does not display global representation. Formula 1 brands itself as a “world championship”, but this statement becomes untrue without a race in Africa. Hosting a Grand Prix in Africa would be a powerful gesture of inclusion and recognition. It would echo Formula 1’s mission to be a diverse sport. In June of 2020, Formula 1 released the #WeRaceAsOne initiative to tackle some of the most significant issues facing motor racing, such as racism and inequity. South Africa, which refers to itself as a ‘rainbow nation’, presents an opportunity to genuinely bring the initiative's values to life. #WeRaceAsOne emphasises diversity and inclusion in motorsport. Bringing a race back to African soil would send a powerful message of unity and inclusion. This will support the broader efforts to diversify the fan base of Formula 1 and open doors for African talent in motorsport.

The 1993 South African Grand Prix hosted at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the last time a Formula 1 race was hosted in South Africa via Getty Images. 

Not only is South Africa home to one of the most memorable Formula 1 circuits, but it has also contributed talent to the Formula 1 grid. Jody Scheckter remains the only South African to have won a Formula 1 Grand Prix and a world championship in 1979. Scheckter’s success inspired a generation of South African motorsport fans. With the growth of motorsport in South Africa over the past couple of years, thousands of South African Formula 1 fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of the South African Grand Prix and now, more than ever, it is finally starting to look like a possibility. In December 2024, Gayton McKenzie announced a team of experts to form South Africa’s bid for Formula 1 to return to Mzanzi. The deadline for the bid was March 18, 2025, and it seems as though Cape Town and Kyalami are the two main rivals fighting to host the event. This has many fans torn as Kyalami holds many historical motorsport memories, yet a street circuit in Cape Town would create a beautiful backdrop for the South African Grand Prix.

According to Business Day, McKenzie stated, “Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix would boost our economy, tourism and development while showcasing South Africa as a premier global sporting destination.” Studies have shown that other host cities such as Qatar, Las Vegas and Monaco generate hundreds of millions in tourism revenue, infrastructure investment, and media exposure across one Formula 1 weekend. South Africa is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, having successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Taking on the task of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix would stimulate job creation, encourage infrastructure upgrades and promote the country as a world-class destination. It would also encourage a growing interest in international events in South Africa.

Lewis Hamilton's comment on having a Grand Prix in Africa via Sky Sports F1. 

Gayten McKenzie and his team have worked endlessly to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa by 2027. The return of the South African Grand Prix would not just be nostalgic, but it would be a strategic step forward. It would complete Formula 1’s global presence, drive economic growth, promote diversity in the ever-growing sport and celebrate South Africa’s history in motorsport. South Africa may not be known for its history in Formula 1, but its affiliation with motor racing makes it the perfect destination to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.