Major update emerges on F1 RETURN to Africa

There has been a significant development regarding the potential of Formula 1 making a sensational return to Africa.

It has been over 30 years since the continent last hosted a race, with Kyalami the venue for the 1993 season-opening South African Grand Prix.

F1 HEADLINES: Ricciardo reveals new team gear as F1 DEAL announced

READ MORE: F1 champion RETURNS in major 2025 team announcement

F1 legend Alain Prost stood on top of the podium on that day, in the first of seven race victories earned during his 1993 campaign on his way to securing a fourth world championship.

If you fancy experiencing the thrills of F1 in style, grab your hospitality tickets by clicking here to go to any of the grands prix on the 2025 calendar!

Could South African Grand Prix soon be on F1 calendar?

The F1 calendar currently consists of 24 races spread across five continents, making the addition of further grands prix difficult to accommodate.

However, there has been a push over recent years - with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at the forefront - to find a solution and further increase the sport's global reach.

In December, Rwanda launched a stunning bid to host a grand prix, while South Africa have also recently expressed their intention to explore the possibility of a F1 return.

Now, there has been another major step on the road to making that dream a reality, with Gayton McKenzie - the country's Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture - calling on any promoters eager to support the bid to stage a grand prix from 2026 and beyond, to submit their applications.

READ MORE: Hamilton drops STUNNING official Ferrari racesuit picture

The government has not ruled out the possibility of accepting applications to either build a new F1 circuit or establish a street race, with the Kyalami track currently not an FIA Grade 1 venue, the award required to host a grand prix.

Any expressions of interest will be evaluated by a jury of 12 people from a variety of backgrounds, and must be presented by January 31, 2025.

“This marks an exciting step in our journey to bring Formula 1 to South Africa," said McKenzie in a government statement.

"The release of the Request for Expression of Interest demonstrates our commitment to an open, inclusive and competitive process, showcasing South Africa’s ability to host a world-class motorsport event and our broader ambitions for economic growth and global recognition."

READ MORE: McLaren F1 driver exit confirmed after BOMBSHELL email

Related

FIA News

FIA issue official statement over F1 punishment system

• Yesterday 11:57

Latest F1 News

F1 champions warned over ‘consequences’ of their actions at FIA awards ceremony

• January 13, 2025 17:56