South Africa is bidding to host Formula One by 2027, competing with Cape Town and Kyalami for rights. The last F1 race in Africa was in 1993. The country seeks to revitalize F1’s presence on the continent, facing competition from Rwanda and Morocco. Figures like Lewis Hamilton support the initiative, emphasizing the importance of F1 in Africa.
South Africa is seeking to bring Formula One racing back to the African continent after a 32-year absence. The competition for hosting rights is primarily between a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg. This bid signifies a momentous attempt to revitalize F1’s presence in Africa, aiming to attract motorsport enthusiasts back to the region.
A committee established by South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie will finalize the hosting decision in the third quarter of this year. McKenzie expressed confidence about securing a Grand Prix by 2027, stating, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that.” He emphasized that the specific location between Cape Town and Joburg is secondary to the overall goal of hosting the event.
The last Formula One Grand Prix in Africa took place in 1993, a pivotal year that preceded South Africa’s transition to democracy. Alain Prost emerged victorious in that race, making it a notable moment in F1 history. The possibility of returning to South Africa has attracted notable support, including from Lewis Hamilton, who remarked, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.”
Experts highlight the importance of reintroducing South African F1 races, as noted by Samuel Tickell, who stated it would rectify a long absence since apartheid and celebrate the country’s motorsport legacy. Tickell also pointed out South Africa’s unique position as the only African country to produce a world champion, Jody Scheckter.
The potential for a South African Grand Prix is feasible within the F1 calendar expansion. Simon Chadwick, an expert in sports economics, mentioned that the integration of more races isn’t prohibitively expensive for host nations, particularly if they perceive strategic value in hosting. Kyalami’s current Grade 2 certification suggests that minor upgrades could qualify it for F1 standards, while Cape Town’s street circuit has previously hosted Formula E events and offers a picturesque setting.
Cape Town’s proposed street circuit could rival Monaco’s prestige, according to Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay. However, competition extends beyond South Africa to other African nations, such as Rwanda, which has made strides in sports sponsorship. Rwanda’s ambitions may be challenged by its involvement in regional conflicts, highlighting the complexities of hosting international events in Africa.
Despite competition from Rwanda and aspirations from Morocco, the argument remains that Africa deserves more than one Grand Prix. South Africa’s minister insists that the continent should not be limited to a single race, engaging in a broader dialogue about motorsport’s future on the continent.
South Africa is actively working to host a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in over three decades, with potential locations under consideration. The decision will be made by a committee, and there is notable support from figures like Lewis Hamilton. While South Africa faces competition from other African nations, the strategic importance of hosting F1 is recognized, and the country remains optimistic about securing a race by 2027.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
