Formula 1 and Lewis Hamilton Push for a Return
Formula 1 and Lewis Hamilton Push for a Return to Africa Despite Challenges
Formula 1 is eager to return to Africa, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton emphasizing the need for the sport to reestablish itself on the continent. Africa remains the only habitable continent where F1 no longer races, leaving a noticeable gap in a sport that claims to have a “world championship.”
The last African Grand Prix was held in 1993 at Kyalami, a circuit located 20 miles north of Johannesburg, South Africa. That year, Alain Prost won the race driving for Williams. Since then, the sport has expanded to a 24-race calendar, yet it continues to miss out on Africa. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has publicly expressed his intention to include Africa in the schedule and initiated talks with Rwandan officials in recent months. However, the return may not be straightforward, and the destination is still uncertain.
South Africa seemed close to securing a spot on the calendar as soon as 2024, with discussions progressing at the Kyalami Circuit. In 2022, Domenicali personally visited Kyalami to assess its readiness. However, the track currently holds an FIA Grade 2 license, which is insufficient for F1. To meet Grade 1 standards, significant upgrades would be required, including improvements to safety features, spectator facilities, and official FIA certification. There were even rumors that South Africa’s return might replace the Spa-Francorchamps race in Belgium, but events took a different turn.
One key issue relates to South Africa’s diplomatic stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The South African government’s refusal to condemn Russia, a fellow member of the BRICS alliance, created friction with the F1 organization, which cut ties with the Russian Grand Prix following the invasion. South Africa’s warm relations with Russia stood at odds with F1’s political position, stalling the discussions.
Jody Scheckter, South Africa’s only F1 world champion, believes that financial greed also played a role in the stalled negotiations. In a 2023 interview with Total Motorsport, Scheckter revealed that F1 was ready to sign the deal, with government and private financial backing secured. However, he claims that Kyalami officials altered the agreement at the last minute, leading the government to back out, ultimately derailing the effort.
Despite these setbacks, there are signs of renewed hope. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, recently met with Domenicali during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. McKenzie expressed confidence that South Africa will secure an F1 race, confirming that the government is prepared to meet the requirements for hosting the event. “I can tell you this: F1 is definitely coming,” McKenzie said. “They told us what they need, and we are going to deliver.”
While the timeline and final destination remain unclear, the momentum for F1’s return to Africa is growing. Rwanda has emerged as another potential venue, but South Africa still seems to be the frontrunner, given its rich motorsport history and past involvement in F1. Both logistical and political challenges remain, but the ambition to revive African motorsport on the world stage is stronger than ever.
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