South Africa extends deadline for F1 Grand Prix bid

The government of South Africa has extended the deadline for submissions from potential promoters interested in bringing Formula 1 back to the country.

The move comes as the government continues its efforts to revive the South African Grand Prix, which has been absent from the F1 calendar since 1993.

To facilitate this, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture established a Bid Steering Committee (BSC) to invite and oversee applications from prospective promoters and host organizers.

Originally, the bid submission deadline was set for 31 January 2025, but the ministry has now pushed it back to 18 March 2025, allowing potential interested parties more time to finalize and submit their proposals.

Aiming for a Competitive and Transparent Process

In an official statement, the Ministry of Sport confirmed the extension, emphasizing its commitment to a thorough and fair selection process.

"The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Bid Steering Committee (BSC), has extended the submission deadline for the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) for South Africa’s Formula 1 Grand Prix bid to 18 March 2025," the statement read.

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"This extension aims to give stakeholders additional time to submit comprehensive, well-structured proposals in line with RFEOI requirements. The Ministry is committed to a transparent and competitive process to secure this prestigious motorsport event.

"The Ministry urges stakeholders to use this opportunity to support South Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions."

Potential Host Locations in the Running

With this extension, various proposals remain in contention. Kyalami, the circuit that has historically been the homme of the South African Grand prix, is a frontrunner.

However, the venue must first complete ongoing upgrades to meet the FIA's Grade 1 standard required for F1 racing.

Cape Town Grand Prix SA has proposed an alternative bid to host a race on a planned 5.7-kilometer street circuit around Cape Town’s waterfront and DHL stadium—the same area that hosted a Formula E race in 2023.

Another possibility under consideration is the construction of a purpose-built circuit on the city’s outskirts.

Africa’s Growing Appeal in Formula 1

South Africa’s renewed push to host a Formula 1 race comes at a time of growing interest in Africa as the last untapped market for Grand Prix racing.

Rwanda has recently launched its own bid to bring F1 to its capital, Kigali, with former F1 driver Alexander Wurz designing a new circuit.

As the deadline extension allows for more comprehensive bids, South Africa remains hopeful that Formula 1 will return to the continent, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events back to its shores.

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