SA on the Brink of Confirming F1 Grand Prix at Kyalami, Says Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie
South Africa may soon secure its place back on the Formula One calendar with a 2027 Kyalami Grand Prix. Top sponsors and FIA have given the green light for upgrades.
South Africa is roaring back onto the global motorsport map, and it may be sooner than fans think. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that South Africa is “on the brink” of clinching a spot on the Formula One calendar. A high-stakes Grand Prix at Kyalami, potentially taking place in 2027 is on the cards.
A Race Decades in the Making
If finalised, this will be the first F1 Grand Prix in South Africa since 1993. Racing legend Alain Prost took the chequered flag at the historic Kyalami circuit. The news has sparked excitement among fans and stakeholders, many of whom have long advocated for the sport’s return to the continent.
Kyalami first hosted a Formula One race in 1967. It has since become a sacred ground for motorsport enthusiasts. Now, the FIA has approved critical design upgrades to bring the circuit from Grade 2 to Grade 1 — the standard required to host F1 events. Kyalami’s return to the world stage looks imminent.
Gayton McKenzie, “Backed by Big Names”
In a passionate address to Parliament, McKenzie outlined the R2 billion cost involved in hosting the event. He made it clear this time, taxpayers won’t foot the bill.
“Government will not be expected to pay,” said McKenzie. “Companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and even Johann Rupert, the richest man in the country, have raised their hands. They will be present with us at the meeting with Formula One management.”
The final “crucial meeting” between South African stakeholders and Formula One executives is scheduled within the next two weeks. This gathering could be the turning point for locking in the 2027 Kyalami Grand Prix.
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The Economic Engine of F1
Beyond the racing thrill, McKenzie sees the Grand Prix as a major economic catalyst. As a result, potential benefits are enormous. They range from tourism and global media coverage to temporary job creation,
“To those who say the country can’t afford to host the F1, I’m saying the country can’t afford not to host it,” McKenzie asserted.
His sentiment echoes what many believe. South Africa’s absence from the F1 calendar is a glaring omission in what’s supposed to be a world championship. Currently, no African country hosts a Grand Prix, making this proposed event historically significant.
Kyalami Circuit: Ready to Race
The 4.5km Kyalami layout will remain unchanged, but the FIA-approved upgrades will enhance:
- Run-off areas
- Debris fencing
- Barrier systems
- Drainage
- Kerbs
These improvements align Kyalami with modern F1 safety standards without sacrificing its iconic structure.
Potential Ticket Pricing
While no official ticket prices have been announced, they’re expected to be in line with international races. For reference, the cheapest adult ticket at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix cost about R2,000. This indicates a premium event aimed at both local and international attendees.
Cape Town’s Bid Rejected
Three bids were considered by McKenzie’s F1 bid steering committee. They included two from Cape Town and one from Kyalami. Though no formal declaration has been made, Kyalami is widely expected to be the winning circuit. This is due to its legacy, infrastructure, and readiness.
What’s Next?
The clock is ticking toward a historic decision. If successful, South Africa will rejoin the elite list of F1 host nations. Kyalami will once again echo with the sound of turbocharged engines, bringing the “rainbow nation” to a global audience of hundreds of millions.
Final Lap
For Minister McKenzie, a lifelong motorsport fan, this is more than policy — it’s a personal mission. Since taking office in July 2024, he has relentlessly pursued this goal. He even met F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to jumpstart talks.
And now, with the final pieces lining up, South Africa’s long pit stop from Formula One may finally be over.
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