South Africa launches tender to bring Formula 1 back to Africa

South Africa is stepping up its bid to bring Formula 1 racing back to the country, inviting potential promoters to submit proposals to host a Grand Prix as early as 2027.

The announcement, made by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), marks a critical step toward reviving South Africa’s historic association with Formula 1, which last held a championship race at the iconic Kyalami circuit in 1993.

The DSAC has launched an official tender for companies interested in organizing the event, emphasizing the significance of securing a capable promoter with the expertise to deliver a high-caliber global event.

The tender outlines a vision for a 10-year partnership to ensure the event’s long-term sustainability and success.

“The chosen promoter must possess the expertise and governmental backing to orchestrate an exceptional world-class sports and entertainment event,” the DSAC specified in its tender document.

“This promoter should demonstrate experience in hosting major events, developing sustainable business models for such events, and leveraging commercial opportunities in ticketing, sponsorship, and hospitality.

“Moreover, they must present a comprehensive vision for the Grand Prix that not only meets but exceeds Formula 1’s stringent requirements.”

Criteria for the Track and Logistics

The South African government has remained flexible in its approach to selecting the location for the race.

The tender allows for bids involving street circuits, permanent tracks, or the development of existing venues like Kyalami.

However, any proposed track must adhere to Formula 1’s strict guidelines, including securing FIA Grade 1 Certification.

According to the government’s specifications, the circuit must meet several logistical and design criteria. It should:

-Be located within 30 minutes of a major city or a popular tourist destination with accessible transport links.

-Accommodate at least 125,000 spectators per day, with 75% arriving via public transport.

-Feature a layout of 4.5-5.5 kilometers, including a straight or flat-out section of at least one kilometer.

-Integrate natural elevation changes, avoiding unnecessary flattening of the site.

Proposals will be reviewed by a 12-member panel comprising experts from motorsport, broadcasting, media, and law.

Interested promoters must also provide a refundable deposit of 10 million rand (£438,000) with their bids, which are due by the end of the month.

Competition or Collaboration?

South Africa’s move comes amid growing interest in Africa as the last untapped market for Formula 1. Rwanda recently announced its own bid to host a Grand Prix, raising questions about whether the two nations will compete for the sole African slot on the F1 calendar.

However, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has rejected the notion of rivalry between the two countries.

Instead, he envisions a collaborative approach that allows Africa to host multiple races, mirroring the European model, where seven races are spread across various nations.

“I hate this narrative of choosing between Rwanda or South Africa. I despise it because in Europe, you have seven races – no one questions if it’s Monaco or Italy; they have all seven,” McKenzie said last month in an interview with The Citizen.

“We are advocating for co-operation to ensure Africa has more than one F1 race. Truth be told, we can make the most compelling case for F1, but we should not compete with Rwanda.

“We should engage in dialogue to determine how we can support each other.

“We are larger in finances, we have a bigger motorsport community, and we have a track. We want to assist them, not compete.”

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