Kyalami’s Formula 1 comeback dream is alive
Kyalami’s F1 comeback dream is gaining serious speed, and Mzansi could host a Grand Prix sooner than we think.
South Africa could soon be back on the Formula 1 calendar, and the legendary Kyalami Circuit is officially throwing its hat in the ring.
The famous track, last seen hosting an F1 race in 1993 (won by four-time champ Alain Prost), has just announced plans to upgrade its facility to FIA Grade 1 status.
This is the golden ticket needed to host the Grand Prix.
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Since Kyalami disappeared from the F1 scene due to financial and political hurdles, Africa’s been the only continent without a Grand Prix on the so-called World Championship calendar.
Rwanda’s in the mix too, but according to PlanetF1, South Africa is leading the charge.
This week, Kyalami surged ahead when the circuit confirmed it’s ready to invest in the necessary upgrades.
However, this dream will come true only if South Africa secures a spot on the F1 calendar and Kyalami is chosen as the host.
The upgrades won’t mess with the track’s 4.522km layout but will focus on beefing up run-off areas, barrier systems, fencing, kerbs, and drainage.
The FIA has already given written approval for the Grade 1 design. Now it just needs to be built and signed off.
If everything goes to plan, South Africa could see F1 cars screaming around Kyalami as early as 2028 or 2029.
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Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie even promised Lewis Hamilton last year that his dream of an African Grand Prix would become a reality.
With former F1 star David Coulthard giving Kyalami’s technical layout a thumbs-up after a demo run, it’s looking promising.
“This track has everything you need for F1,” Coulthard said. “Challenging corners, high-speed sections, elevation changes… just needs a few tweaks.”
Although nothing is confirmed yet, for the first time in years, Africa’s return to Formula 1 feels more than just a pipe dream.
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