South Africa’s Ambitious Bid to Revive Formula One on the Continent

South Africa’s bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix marks the continent’s potential return to the sport after 32 years, with Cape Town and Kyalami as contenders. A decision is expected in the third quarter of the year, backed by notable supporters like Lewis Hamilton. The growing global interest in F1 opens doors for Africa, despite competition from Rwanda and Morocco.

More than 30 years have elapsed since Formula One last raced on the African continent, prompting South Africa to initiate a bid to host a Grand Prix. The competition exists between two locations: a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track situated outside Johannesburg.

The decision regarding the venue will be made by a committee appointed by South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, with the selection expected in the third quarter of the year. McKenzie expressed confidence, stating, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that,” and emphasized that the location within South Africa is less significant than the event itself.

The last F1 race held in Africa took place in 1993, only a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections. That race saw French driver Alain Prost secure victory. Support for the bid includes seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been an advocate for the return of an African Grand Prix, stating, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.”

The ownership of the Formula One Group by Liberty Media since 2017 signals a strategic interest in expanding the sport globally, as highlighted by expert Samuel Tickell from the University of Munster. Tickell mentioned that a return to South Africa symbolizes an important step for Formula One post-apartheid. Moreover, it is not necessary for F1 to exclude other venues to accommodate a race in Africa, as the calendar is consistently growing.

Despite high organisational costs, experts, including Simon Chadwick from Skema Business School, assert that many countries perceive hosting an F1 event as a strategic gain, regardless of its commercial viability. The Kyalami circuit is Grade 2 certified, needing minimal improvements to host the race, while Cape Town’s proposed street circuit has already successfully accommodated a Formula E event earlier this year.

Competition extends beyond local cities, with Rwanda also aspiring to secure an F1 race. Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay claims the street circuit would potentially surpass Monaco. Nonetheless, Rwanda’s ambitions could be complicated due to its geopolitical tensions, particularly its role in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Questions arise as to why Africa can only accommodate a single Grand Prix despite the continent’s potential for multiple events.

South Africa is actively pursuing the return of Formula One to the African continent, competing between two prime locations: Cape Town and Kyalami. With substantial support from influential figures such as Lewis Hamilton and a growing global interest in the sport, the prospects look promising. While other nations such as Rwanda and Morocco are also seeking F1 opportunities, the unique historical and cultural significance of returning F1 to South Africa remains paramount. As the decision-making approaches, the potential for a Grand Prix in Africa is poised to revitalize motorsport on the continent.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com