Sad news for local Formula One fans is that there is no F1 in SA anytime soon, so says the minister of sport, art and culture. The minister made the admission during a recent interview with news outlet eNCA.
Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.
Well, next year, definitely not, because we have underestimated what is required to host the F1 event. But F1 has held our hand. So now what we’re doing is, we’ve got the experts, and we’re putting together a bid. We give them an offer, they can’t refuse
– G McKenzie
Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.
No F1 a Failure
The minister has previously stated that he’d have failed in his role if he cannot get an F1 race in South Africa. This has made him somewhat of a hero among fans of the sport. However, his words have not brought us any closer to a race on African soil despite many optimistic sound bites. This is despite attending many races and meeting with F1 brass on multiple occasions, no doubt at the taxpayer’s expense.
The ministry took charge of the process when it learned that Formula One is keen to return to Africa. The last race held in SA was in 1993. The DSAC started with the creation of a bid steering committee (BSC). The BSC was to evaluate all possible options put forward by potential local race promoters. It then chose the strongest/most likely to succeed case and present it to Formula One. That process seems to have failed miserably if the minister’s own words are to be believed
Funding Issue
Hosting a race in SA comes at a significant cost. We have outlined some of the numbers in this article. The SA government has clearly stated that an SA F1 race will not be funded by the national coffers, but will require private financial backing. Again, the minister has said plenty in this regard, but we have yet to hear of any concrete confirmation with regards to title/event sponsorship deals.
Potential Venues
The minister had been talking up the chances of a race coming to SA, more specifically to Kyalami GP Circuit in Gauteng. There have been talks between the DSAC and the owners of Kyalami. The minister has formerly thanked the owners of the historic venue for their support of such an event. Kyalami has even confirmed that it will upgrade its facilities, as required, when a race is confirmed at the venue.
However, that sentiment has changed somewhat with, seemingly, a street circuit in Cape Town also being considered as an option. The Mother City played host to the most recent FIA single-seater event on the continent when Formula E raced locally in 2023. The race was, by all accounts a success. However, the Formula E circus is far smaller and attracts much smaller crowds than F1. Can Cape Town host a massive event such as F1, and will its residents be happy to do so?
You can watch the eNCA interview with the minister at this link.
In the Future…?
So, there is no F1 in SA anytime soon. But when exactly can we expect a race? That question remains to be answered. 2027 is definitely off the cards. 2028 seems too early as Formula will already been in talks with circuits/promoters around the world for the 2028 calendar. Could 2029 be an option? Perhaps, if the minister can deliver on a promise that has yet to yield any results. It has been empty promise after empty promise and, we suspect, F1 fans are growing tired of this chorus.
About the Author
