South Africa begins bidding process to return to F1 after 32 years

The South African government has opened a bidding process to potential organizers of future Formula 1 races in the country.

The African nation’s government has appointed a so-called F1 Bid Steering Committee tasked with finding potential organizers for South Africa’s return to the F1 calendar.

South Africa last hosted an F1 Grand Prix at Kyalami Circuit in 1993. Plans to revive racing have failed to materialize in recent years, but the government has long been vocal about its desire to reach an agreement with F1 management.

After South African representatives held exploratory talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the country’s sports ministry has now announced the bidding process and taken the next steps towards hosting the grand prix. I took a step. Interest detailing the various requirements for holding a race.

“DSAC (Department of Sport, Arts and Culture) has been in direct communication with F1 management, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, in order to meet the necessary hosting standards,” the document said.

“The bidding process for potential promoters has begun and DSAC has established the F1 BSC (Bid Steering Committee) to manage this process, evaluate bids and select promoters.

Damon Hill, Williams FW15C, Alessandro Zanardi, Lotus 107B, Rubens Barrichello, Jordan 193, Ivan Capelli, Jordan 193

Photo courtesy of Motorsport Images

“Comprised of 12 members from a variety of sectors including motorsport, broadcasting, media and law, the BSC will assess each proposal for financial robustness and infrastructure adequacy.

“While no venue has been finalized, potential promoters and/or host city and venue partners are encouraged to submit suitable locations within South Africa (in accordance with the criteria detailed in this document). It has been.

“Following the BSC’s recommendations, final or shortlisted bids will be considered by the DSAC before being submitted to F1 Management.”

The government agency is looking for a reputable promoter to host the race every year for a 10-year term, starting in 2026 and 2027, with the latter being a more realistic start date given the crowded F1 calendar.

The bid seeks “iconic destinations” close to major cities and emphasizes reliance on public transport and renewable energy to meet F1’s sustainability standards, with up to 12 It can accommodate 5,000 spectators and has a circuit distance of 4.5 to 5.5 km. It boasts a straight that is over 1km long. It also details the usual requirements for paddock work areas and hospitality zones.

Interested parties are asked to submit bids by the end of this month, after which a bid committee will draw up a shortlist.

Kyalami, near Johannesburg, remains a contender, with officials announcing they have contracted Apex Circuit Design to bring the circuit up to the required FIA Grade 1 standard.

David Coulthard, Red Bull Racing RB7, Kyalami

Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Elsewhere, Cape Town Grand Prix SA is also reportedly participating in a bid to stage the race on a proposed street circuit around Cape Town’s waterfront, with another option being The construction of a dedicated circuit is also being considered.

It remains highly uncertain whether South Africa’s efforts to return to the F1 calendar will be successful this time around.

F1 management has expressed interest in a return to the African continent, with similar talks underway in Rwanda, but hosting the South African Grand Prix remains a distant dream for now, with the short timetable outlined in the bid documents being a poor choice. seems optimistic though.

Like Rwanda, South Africa faces stiff global competition including from Thailand and South Korea, with potential candidates seeking a compelling and sustainable bid to attract the popular series, with no shortage of potential venues. Bids must be submitted.

Earlier this month, F1 announced a contract renewal for Spa’s Belgian Grand Prix, which will see the race join a rotation system with other European rounds, while Zandvoort will host its last Dutch Grand Prix in 2026 and will be rescheduled for 2027. A slot becomes available on the F1 24-race calendar. And beyond that.

The schedule for 2026 appears to be almost set, with Mexico planning to renew its contract and expected to miss the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

Also read:

Video: Lewis’ first day as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver