Have South Africa’s hopes of hosting an F1 Grand Prix been overtaken?

South African motorsport enthusiasts have been disheartened by their nation's bid to host a Formula One (F1) Grand Prix falling short, although all is not lost. The International Sporting Federation (F1) appears poised to return to Africa for the first time in 37 years, but not in South Africa. Rwanda is anticipated to join the F1 calendar in 2030, having formally launched its bid in December 2024.

President Paul Kagame announced Rwanda's pursuit of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix during a media briefing, expressing gratitude to Stefano Domenicali and the Formula One team for their progress in discussions. Rwanda aims to host the race at a new permanent circuit near Bugesera International Airport, around 40km from Kigali.

Africa had not hosted an F1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. A deal has reportedly been reached for a race at the new circuit, with an official announcement possibly coming within weeks. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie congratulated Rwanda on securing the 2030 F1 race, acknowledging that while Italy has hosted two F1 races a year, it's unfair to expect a continent of 55 countries to share just one.

South Africa had been actively pursuing the F1 Grand Prix, with Cabinet approving the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture's bid to host a race at Kyalami in 2027. Kyalami's Grade 1 upgrade plans have been approved by the FIA, a significant step toward hosting a modern Formula One event. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has been considered the frontrunner if South Africa secures a spot on the F1 calendar.

Kyalami owner Toby Venter stated that upgrades for an F1 race would only be done if an announcement is made for Kyalami. South Africa's F1 ambitions extend beyond Gauteng, with Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) planning a privately funded Grand Prix in the Swartland region of the Western Cape by 2031. BMR has appointed Rothschild & Co. as financial adviser.

In September 2024, McKenzie met with Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, expressing optimism about bringing Formula One back to South Africa. McKenzie also reported a "very good meeting" with Ben Sulayem regarding support for South Africa's bid.