South Africa confident about hosting F1: 'Will happen'

Lewis Hamilton has been vocal in the past about his desire to race in Africa and his wishes may be coming true. A South African Minister has revealed his confidence for Africa's return to the calendar and that plans are being put in place.

South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has shared in an interview with SuperSport that concrete plans are being made for South Africa's return to the F1 racing calendar. "Where we are at the moment, and it's the first time people hear this, we are going to announce a committee next week. The committee will then choose which promoter will promote F1. The race is going to happen at Kyalami," McKenzie stated.

The Minister shared how investment is being made into the circuit so that it is suitable for F1 racing. "Kyalami is doing what they need to do. Toby Venter and Willie Venter are doing a great job bringing Kyalami to F1 standards. They have put money in that, it is there."

Regarding a timeline for its return, McKenzie said, "They have the company, I think Apex, that is doing the track [upgrades] so it can be up to F1 standards. I think we're looking at 2027."

The last F1 race in South Africa took place at the Kyalami circuit in 1993 and was won by Alain Prost. Fans in South Africa have seen their hope rekindled to see F1 racing in their country once again.

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