South Africa has moved another step closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.
Kyalami Raceway confirmed on Thursday that it had hired Apex Circuit Design to create a pathway for obtaining the FIA Grade 1 accreditation required to host an F1 Grand Prix.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, had a “extremely good meeting” with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 GEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September to discuss support for the F1 bid.
Kyalami Raceway stated that its collaboration with Apex, which has developed some of the world’s top racetracks, was a “proactive” measure to ensure that the country was prepared to host an F1 race, but it did not promise that such an event would take place.
That all depends on successful discussions between the local promoter, the government, and F1 owner Liberty Media.
“With its rich history of Formula One 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,” Kyalami Raceway said in a statement.
A Kyalami representative informed IOL that the track may potentially be ready for the 2027 F1 calendar, or even a late 2026 entry if the calendar and other conditions allow it.
There was no definitive cost analysis for renovating the circuit at the time of writing, although previous estimates suggested that FIA Grade 1 modifications would cost around $10 million (R170 million).
Upgrades to the track’s kerbing, run-off zones, and barriers would be required after an extensive analysis of the safety standards given the speeds achievable by a modern F1 car.
Kyalami stated that the spectator experience must also be considered during the upgrading phase.
South Africa has not hosted a F1 Grand Prix since 1993.
The country was close to seeing an F1 return in 2023, but the proposed deal apparently fell through because the promoter could not give the requisite financial assurances.
Aside from circuit renovations, the hosting fees for the F1 Grand Prix in South Africa are estimated to be over R600 million.
Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly advocated for a Formula One race beneath African sky.
In late August, the seven-time winner announced that he was working behind the scenes with South Africa and Rwanda to make it happen.
“The time’s 100% right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” Hamilton said.
