How soon could Kyalami be back on the F1 calendar?
Governing body FIA's recent approval of Kyalami Grade 1 plans has petrol-heads buzzing, but how soon could we realistically see motorsport's premier class return to South Africa?
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
702's Gugs Mhlungu picks the brain of resident motoring enthusiast Kumbi Mtshakazi.
For years, many in the Formula One world, most notably Sir Lewis Hamilton, have been calling for an African race, and for years rumours of a return to Kyalami have abounded.
Now that the FIA has granted approval for Class 1 upgrades, how likely is it that the return will happen any time soon, if at all?
The upgrades, estimated to cost up to R200 million, will be focused on improving track safety, as well as infrastructural improvements to accommodate the spectacle that is an F1 race.
"It's not any upgrades in terms of engineering, but it's just to enhance the excellent circuit that's at Kyalami to just meet the modern F1 requirements."
Kumbi Mtshakazi, Resident Motoring Enthusiast
While the odds are certainly in Kyalami's favour, it faces competition both locally and from the rest of the continent. There has been huge interest in hosting a street race in Cape Town, which would follow the same route as the hugely successful Formula E race which took place in 2023.
Rwanda, with its rapidly developing economy and eagerness to welcome the world, has also thrown its hat in the ring.
Kyalami, though, has a proven track record, having been a regular on the calendar from 1967-1985, and again in 1992 and 1993, and already has FIA Grade 2 certification.
It is also a favourite among drivers who have driven the circuit before.
"Kyalami deserves this one."
Resident Motoring Enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi
Competition for a spot on the F1 calendar is fierce, and only getting fiercer, which has led many to speculate that South Africa could wait up to ten years to see a race.
Mtshakazi, though, remains optimistic that it could happen much sooner than that.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, has already lost its place on the calendar, and rumours are circulating that other old-school tracks won't have their contracts renewed.
Should those rumours be accurate, and more tracks lose their spots, there's a chance Kyalami could see racing action as soon as 2028 or 2029.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full interview.