Chante Hohip19 March 2025 | 7:21

Minister Gayton McKenzie's F1 Bid Committee one step closer to getting race in 2027

The deadline for interested promoters to step forward have passed.

An aereal view of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, a motor racing circuit in Midrand, on February 3, 2025. In the aspiration of Lewis Hamilton, apostle of a return of F1 to the only continent deserted by the calendar, South Africa is mounting a bid to reorganize a Grand Prix, three decades later. Picture: AFP

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, Spokesperson of the South African F1 Bid Committee.

Listen below:

The first phase of the build-up to South Africa’s bid to bring Formula 1 back in 2027 has concluded.

The F1 Bid Committee called on promoters to submit their interest.

Those selected for the second phase must put together a detailed proposal for a race of their interest.

“... when we go back to the Formula 1 as the country, we want to show what we are made of as South Africa… But whatever we propose before Formula 1 and the FIA must be a true and most competent reflection of who we are as South Africa and what it is we are capable of.”

– Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, Spokesperson - South African F1 Bid Committee

But what is the difference between now and 2023’s failed attempt? A united front, he says.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, the main driver for this year’s bid, has continually highlighted the government’s support.

“As a country, whatever bid is put before F1 [now] is a bid that represents who we are as South Africa as a whole… Previous attempts that have been made have been led by either a specific company or specific individuals… It has really been disjointed.”

– Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, Spokesperson - South African F1 Bid Committee

“We’ve got a track record internationally of what it is that we can do as South Africa.”

– Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, Spokesperson - South African F1 Bid Committee

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.