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F1’s return to Africa has inched a step forward with the South African government making an official move that opens the door to a new race as soon as 2026.
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The nation has begun accepting expressions of interest in hosting a race, with the best bid set to be put forward to Formula 1 organisers.
A committee overseeing South Africa’s imminent F1 bid said it hopes the nation can secure a 10-year contract beginning next year, or 2027.
“A suitable promoter and/or venue (circuit facility) and host city will be chosen to submit a bid to the FIA and Formula 1 for consideration with the necessary approvals and support from the DSAC,” the committee said, according to a document seen by The Race.
Kyalami remains a frontrunner for the bid with the circuit, just outside Johannesburg, eyeing a return to the F1 calendar after being axed in 1993.
Minister for sports, arts an culture, Gayton McKenzie, told Supersport last year that Kyalami was well-placed with venue upgrades — all F1 venues must have a FIA Grade 1 licence — underway.
A potential waterfront street circuit in Cape Town has also been rumoured as a contender.
The document states that bids must put forward an “iconic destination location” that is within 30 minutes of a major city.
It adds: “(The) surrounding environment must contribute to the look and feel of a premier international event and/or provide an iconic backdrop.
“(The) track must be conducive to driving an exciting racing spectacle, allowing for wheel to-wheel racing and provide multiple overtaking opportunities.”
No F1 race has been held since 1993 in Africa, the only continent in which the category does not visit.
Any lead South African bid, however, is expected to have competition from Rwanda, whose leaders have also been in talks about hosting an African race.
The bid process in South Africa comes amid increasing changes to the F1 calendar, with a major shuffle to take place over the coming years.
This off-season has seen the announcement of the end of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will host its final race in 2026 following just a one-year renewal.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa will be reduced to once every two years from 2027.
Also under threat are European races at Barcelona and Imola, whose contracts end after 2026 and 2025 respectively. They are understood to be at serious risk of not being renewed.
A new race in Madrid will begin from 2026, but should Barcelona and Imola not be renewed, then the door swings open for at least two new races a year, or three in 2028 and 2030 when the Belgian Grand Prix will not be held.
Several other nations are said to be interested in hosting F1 races, including Thailand and South Korea as F1 seeks to bolster its Asian swing.
France and Germany are two nations who recently lost their own Grands Prix, and would become contenders to return if European races continue to be axed.
