It has been several months since the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, arrived with great enthusiasm, spearheading South Africa’s initiative to once again host the Formula 1 (F1) Race.
In December, Siyamthanda Pongco published an exclusive article for SportsBoom regarding the establishment of the Bid Steering Committee, which McKenzie announced at the renowned and historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. This committee comprised distinguished individuals from the fields of motorsport, broadcasting, and business, all entrusted with the ambitious goal of guiding the national bid for South Africa’s aspiration to host the F1 race, which last took place in the Rainbow Nation in 1993, the last time the African continent hosted the F1.
Since then, commendable efforts have been underway behind the scenes, with reports emerging earlier this year in March indicating that the bid for South Africa to host the F1 was progressing rapidly. Following these developments, Pongco reported that on 18 March, stakeholders and organisations involved in the bidding process were expected to submit their final expressions of interest.
Interested parties submitted their proposals on 18 March 2025.
Since that time, on Wednesday, 18 June, the Kyalami Grand Prix issued a press release indicating that the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has approved Grade 1 plans for the historic South African Circuit.
Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami circuit established itself as the leading motorsport facility in Southern Africa. The pleasant summer climate made Kyalami a favoured destination for European competitors who were unable to race on their home turf due to the winter off-season.
By the mid-1970s, Kyalami had earned a reputation as one of the finest Grand Prix circuits globally, hosting a total of 21 F1 Grand Prix races. The Kyalami 9-Hour became a beloved event in the sports car world championship. Additionally, Moto GP visited Kyalami from 1983 to 1985. These events garnered worldwide attention, not only for the circuit but also for South Africa as a nation.
The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification, and the Kyalami precinct has demonstrated its success as a self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity. The facility’s multi-use functionality—conferences, shows, exhibitions, activations, lifestyle events—remains central to its commercial model.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is now ready to advance to the next phase in the evolution of the track, having received confirmation that the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has accepted the final design proposals to elevate the circuit to Grade 1 status—the highest international standard necessary to host Formula 1.
The FIA’s written acceptance of the revised design signifies a major accomplishment. Once the capital works are finalised and a final inspection is conducted, Kyalami will become Africa’s sole FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent.
During a press conference held at Kyalami, Circuit Owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, outlined a plan that has been in development for five years, culminating in FIA approval of the venue’s upgrade design. Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design firm, also contributed to the design of, among others, the Miami Formula 1 street circuit.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” said Venter. “When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.”
The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade—which notably requires no change to the circuit layout—focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage. “This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.
The approval of the FIA plan allows Kyalami a three-year timeframe to finalise the proposed Grade 1 enhancements.
Initially, the work will begin during times when existing business partners will not experience any disruption to their events. Selected tasks will be undertaken contingent upon the favourable outcome of South Africa’s inclusion in the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami being chosen as the preferred venue for hosting.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre is recognised as Africa’s most iconic motorsport facility and serve as the preferred location for a diverse range of events in the growing metropolis situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” concluded Venter.