Gayton McKenzie Admits South Africa’s F1 Dream Is Still Out Of Reach

For years, South African motorsport fans have held onto the hope of seeing Formula 1 return to home soil, roaring through the iconic curves of Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. That dream now feels slightly further away after Gayton McKenzie admitted that South Africa is not close to securing a race slot on the global calendar.

His latest update is a shift from his earlier, more optimistic promises. And for many local fans, it’s a reminder that passion alone cannot overcome the complex world of F1 contracts, politics and global scheduling.

Why F1 Won’t Land In SA Anytime Soon

Speaking to eNCA, McKenzie acknowledged that South Africa had underestimated what it actually takes to host a Formula 1 event. While Kyalami has already begun expensive upgrades to meet Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile standards, the reality is far more complicated than fixing a few corners and painting new kerbs.

Kyalami’s planned FIA Grade 1 upgrade carries an eye watering price tag of between 83 million and 167 million rand. The changes include improved run off areas, modernised barrier systems, debris fencing and updated drainage. Interestingly, the circuit layout itself does not need to change.

Even with these upgrades underway, securing a permanent spot on the F1 calendar remains the real obstacle.

Global Contracts Leave No Room For Kyalami

The 2026 season already includes 24 races, and most venues are locked into long term contracts. The only contract expiring that year is Barcelona’s, but the Spanish Grand Prix is still able to renegotiate its deal, making that window even smaller.

To complicate matters further, Portugal has already been added to the 2027 and 2028 seasons, while Belgium is moving to a rotational schedule. All of this makes squeezing South Africa into the mix increasingly difficult.

Being Africa’s only circuit capable of hosting F1 does not automatically guarantee a race. In many ways, the global calendar is a chess board, and Kyalami is still waiting for a playable move.

Local Perspective: The Hype vs The Reality

Here at home, McKenzie has been seen as the political champion of South Africa’s F1 ambitions. Motorsport journalist Sudhir Matai points out that despite the minister’s travels, meetings and photo ops with F1 leaders, nothing substantial has materialised.

To fans, it feels like an emotional rollercoaster. One minute there is talk of a breakthrough, the next minute the goalposts shift again. And with taxpayers footing the bill for international lobbying efforts, there is growing curiosity about how long this pursuit will continue without concrete results.

What It Means For South Africa’s F1 Future

The good news is that the technical work at Kyalami continues, positioning South Africa as the only African country with a circuit capable of hosting F1 in the future. The less cheerful news is that technical compliance alone doesn’t unlock a race weekend.

For now, South African fans may need to recalibrate expectations. A local Grand Prix is still possible, but it won’t be happening next season, and it ultimately depends on whether the global calendar ever creates space for Africa’s long overdue return.

If and when that day comes, Kyalami will be ready. Until then, the wait continues.

{Source:IOL}

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