Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve backs SA’s bid to host Grand Prix
Current upgrades totalling R177m aim to bring the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in line with International Automobile Federation Grade One standards.
Support for South Africa’s bid to host a Formula One (F1) race at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is gaining traction, with former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve endorsing the initiative.
He expressed excitement about bringing F1 to Africa, a continent currently absent from the calendar. In an interview with Prime Casino, Villeneuve emphasised the importance of expanding F1’s global presence, stating, “F1 is global, more than it has ever been, and Africa is a continent that is missing.”
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The country is making progress toward reintroducing F1, which last occurred in 1993. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced the creation of a Bid Steering Committee to manage all aspects of the initiative, from funding to technical requirements. This announcement, made at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand recently, marks a significant advancement for South Africa’s F1 aspirations.
While McKenzie acknowledged the high costs of hosting a Grand Prix, he reassured stakeholders that the government’s financial involvement would be limited, with private sector support expected to cover most of the estimated R2b expense. This strategy aims to balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility.
Kyalami has emerged as the leading venue for the event, boasting a rich motorsport history and being deemed 90% ready for an F1 race. Current upgrades totalling R177m are underway to meet International Automobile Federation (FIA) Grade One standards, ensuring compliance with modern F1 safety and technical regulations.
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Villeneuve, who has tested at Kyalami during his time with BAR and Williams, provided his perspective on the circuit’s suitability. “I think Kyalami would need some work being done to it,” he said. “I tested there a long time ago, and while it was fun to drive, I am not sure how well it would handle modern F1 cars.”
He explained that contemporary F1 cars, with their advanced aerodynamics and high-speed capabilities, could render certain track features obsolete or even hazardous.
Villeneuve’s comments echo sentiments expressed by current drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long advocated for the sport’s return to the continent. “It seems logical that there should be a push to go to Africa,” Villeneuve remarked. “F1 is also very political and expensive, so careful planning is essential.”
The target for South Africa’s inclusion in the F1 calendar is 2027, though McKenzie hinted at the possibility of an earlier debut in 2026, depending on the bid’s progress and potential openings in the schedule.
McKenzie expressed optimism, stating, “Realistically, 2027 is what we’re looking at, but because I’m a serial optimist, I think we might hear something as early as 2026.”
With support from figures such as Villeneuve and the efforts of South African stakeholders, the dream of hosting an F1 Grand Prix is becoming more attainable.
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