Formula One Considers Return to Africa With South Africa and Rwanda as Contenders

Formula One is evaluating a return to Africa with South Africa emerging as a candidate to host the Grand Prix through either Cape Town’s street circuit or Kyalami racetrack. With Support from Lewis Hamilton and optimistic statements from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie about bringing the event by 2027, Rwanda is also in contention, enhancing the competitive landscape for African motorsport.

Formula One is considering the return of a Grand Prix to Africa approximately three decades after its last event on the continent in 1993. South Africa is proposing to host the race, with competition primarily between two locations: a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami racetrack near Johannesburg. An official committee established by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie aims to select the venue later this year.

Sports Minister McKenzie is optimistic about bringing the Grand Prix back, predicting it will occur by 2027. “Whether it is Cape Town or Joburg, we do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa,” he stated confidently. The Kyalami circuit, known for its challenging layout and rich history, previously hosted numerous thrilling competitions and famed drivers.

F1’s last race on African soil was won by Alain Prost in 1993, shortly before the end of apartheid. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, has publicly supported the return of F1 to Africa, emphasizing the importance of including the continent in the racing calendar. Hamilton remarked, “We cannot be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.”

Experts note that the return to South Africa would hold significance for Formula One, especially in a post-apartheid context. Allowing expansion of the F1 calendar is feasible without excluding other venues since the total number of races has significantly increased over the years. Furthermore, economic concerns about organizing and hosting costs are often outweighed by strategic benefits.

Two major contenders for the race venue include Cape Town, which recently hosted a Formula E race, and the Kyalami circuit, which may need upgrades to meet F1 standards. Cape Town’s unique attributes and recognition as a premier international city position it as a strong candidate. Additionally, Rwanda, actively pursuing an F1 event and already engaged in global sports sponsorships, may emerge as a formidable competitor.

Notably, the competition for hosting the F1 race is not limited to a single country, as South Africa’s minister questioned why only one African race would be permitted. Rwanda’s potential bid could face challenges tied to ongoing regional conflicts, as evident from rising calls to reconsider other scheduled international events.

In summary, the potential return of a Formula One Grand Prix to Africa is gaining momentum, with South Africa’s rival proposals for hosting the event highlighting Cape Town and Kyalami. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expresses strong confidence in successfully organizing the Grand Prix by 2027. Meanwhile, the candidacy of Rwanda adds another layer of competition, underscoring the continent’s growing prominence within the Formula One landscape.

Original Source: sports.ndtv.com