Kyalami Shifts Into High Gear as South Africa Edges Closer to F1 Comeback

Joburg’s Iconic Racetrack Gets a Green Light from the FIA But will Formula 1 Finally Return to African Soil?

The roar of Formula 1 engines could soon echo across Gauteng again, as Kyalami Race Track takes a giant leap forward in its bid to bring world-class racing back to South African fans.

The legendary circuit, nestled just north of Johannesburg, has officially received the FIA’s stamp of approval for a Grade 1 upgrade — the highest standard required to host Formula 1. It’s a significant milestone not just for Kyalami, but for the entire African motorsport scene, which hasn’t hosted an F1 race since 1993.

A Proud History Meets a Bold Future

If you grew up with the sounds of turbocharged engines around Midrand in the late 80s and early 90s, this news hits differently. The last time Kyalami hosted an F1 Grand Prix, Alain Prost took the win for Williams. Since then, the continent has been missing from the calendar, even as F1 exploded in popularity worldwide.

That gap might finally close. With help from UK-based Apex Circuit Designs, Kyalami’s owners have laid out an ambitious set of upgrades that tick all the boxes: new kerbs, better drainage, enhanced debris fencing, and modernised safety systems — all while keeping the track’s beloved 4.529km layout intact.

But there’s a catch: these upgrades will only be implemented once South Africa secures a confirmed slot on the F1 calendar.

“We are Ready” Kyalami’s Bold Message

Toby Venter, who led the purchase of Kyalami back in 2014, says the goal has always been clear.

“When we acquired Kyalami, we committed to restoring it as a world-class venue and a beacon for motorsport across Africa,” said Venter. “The FIA’s approval of our Grade 1 design is a major milestone. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.”

And fans are just as ready. Social media buzzed with excitement following the announcement, with local motorsport lovers praising Kyalami’s unique character and legacy. “Africa deserves this,” one user wrote on X. “Let’s bring it home.” Others voiced concern about the politics and red tape surrounding other bids — particularly Rwanda’s — but Kyalami’s progress has clearly struck a chord.

The Race is Far From Over

Still, this is F1 — and competition is stiff both on and off the track. Aside from Kyalami, Africa has two other contenders: a proposed street race in Cape Town and a new Rwandan circuit backed by President Paul Kagame. Rwanda’s bid, however, hit a major snag earlier this year when the Democratic Republic of Congo formally asked F1 to halt talks over political tensions involving rebel groups in the region.

On the global stage, Thailand has also thrown its name into the hat for a race slot, and with the 2025 calendar already jam-packed with 24 races, space is tight.

Even so, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has made it clear: Africa is a priority. Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, he said, “We are missing one continent, and we want to connect to that. It’s about finding the right plan.”

Why It Matters to Joburg and Beyond

Bringing Formula 1 back to Kyalami wouldn’t just be a feather in the cap for South Africa. It would mean tourism, global spotlight, and a powerful signal that Africa belongs on the world racing stage. Johannesburg’s proximity to Kyalami puts the city in pole position for economic spin-offs — from hotels and transport to fan zones and brand exposure.

And for a generation of young South Africans who’ve never seen an F1 car live in action at home, it’s more than a race. It’s history waiting to be made.

What’s Next?

As the F1 season heads into its next round in Austria, Kyalami’s team is holding their line, waiting for the lights to go green. Until then, all eyes remain on F1’s leadership and the upcoming decisions about the 2026 calendar.

If things go according to plan, Joburg may just be on the edge of a motorsport comeback for the ages.

Source:Sabc Sport

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