Gayton McKenzie confirms “critical” step for South Africa’s Formula 1 bid

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) Gayton McKenzie has said that a “critical” meeting with representatives from Formula 1 (F1) will take place in the next two weeks. 

Speaking in Parliament on 15 July, presenting his department’s R6.3 billion budget, McKenzie was quick to reference that the Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design to meet F1 standards.

Kyalami received confirmation that the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status – the highest international standard for a race track required to host an F1 race.

Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami Circuit was the home of the South African Grand Prix, hosting 21 F1 Grand Prix races. On top of F1, the circuit has hosted MotoGP and several other motor sport events.

The last F1 Grand Prix in South Africa was hosted 32 years ago, just a year before South Africa transitioned to democracy.

“Many laughed when I uttered the words ‘Formula 1 must come back to South Africa’. One man in particular, who didn’t laugh, was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack,” said McKenzie.

“When I told him that the government doesn’t have the money to host Formula 1 because of other more urgent priorities and we would not be able to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it [as] his patriotic duty to do just that.”

“We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks.“

According to McKenzie, what will be different this time is that the government will not be expected to pay.

He announced that companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and others have expressed their support and “will be present with us in the meeting with Formula 1 at the end of the month.” 

The Minister argued that to those who argue the country cannot afford to host Formula 1, “South Africa cannot afford not to.”

He pointed to the success of hosting the FIFA World Cup, which placed the country firmly on the global stage, and emphasised that South Africa should not hesitate to host major international events now.

He emphasised that those who downplay the importance of Formula 1 should reflect on countries fiercely protecting their place on the F1 calendar.

“They see the value in it, and it can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular.”

The upgrade

Circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, said the circuit upgrade took five years of planning, which culminated in the FIA’s approval.

“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent,” said Venter.

“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a significant step forward in that journey.”

The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade will not require a change to the circuit’s layout and will focus on improving run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage.

“This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.

North West University economics professor Waldo Krugell has noted that major events, such as F1, can lead to additional spending, accelerating economic growth.

For example, Cape Town hosted a Formula E, which exclusively features electric sports cars, in 2023, was estimated to generate over R1 billion in economic impact, despite its relatively minor fanbase compared to F1.