South Africa Competes to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix

South Africa’s Bid to Bring Formula 1 Back to Africa

For the first time in three decades, South Africa is making a serious bid to bring Formula 1 Grand Prix back to African soil.

The competition to host the prestigious event has come down to two South African tracks:

A street circuit in Cape Town, a scenic route winding past the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium with breathtaking ocean views.
The historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg, which last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1993, won by Alain Prost.

Decision Expected by Late 2025

A government-appointed committee, led by South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie, is expected to make a final decision in the third quarter of 2025.

McKenzie remains optimistic about the country’s chances:

“The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that. Whether it is Cape Town or Joburg, we do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa.”

Lewis Hamilton Backs South Africa’s Bid

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long advocated for Formula 1’s return to Africa, calling it a “necessity” for the sport’s global expansion.

“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa,” Hamilton said in August 2024.

Formula 1’s current owners, Liberty Media, have also expressed interest in expanding the sport to every continent, making Africa a priority.

Can South Africa Beat Rwanda for the African Grand Prix?

While South Africa pushes for F1’s return, Rwanda has emerged as a strong competitor.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with Formula 1 officials at the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2024 to discuss hosting an F1 race.
Rwanda is already a major global sports sponsor, backing Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and the NBA.

Sports economist Simon Chadwick believes Rwanda is in “pole position” due to strong government backing and strategic investments in global sports.

“Rwanda is making a serious push, and its global partnerships give it an advantage. But South Africa remains a more traditional F1 destination,” Chadwick explained.

Will Africa Host Two Grand Prix Events?

With increasing African interest in F1, South Africa’s sports minister has questioned the need for exclusivity:

“Why is it that when it comes to Africa, we are treated like we can only get one?”

With a growing F1 calendar, experts suggest that both South Africa and Rwanda could eventually host Grand Prix races, much like how the United States currently hosts multiple F1 events.