South Africa is determined to bring Formula 1 back to the country in 2028 or 2029, despite Rwanda securing a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, insists that Rwanda’s success does not mean his country has lost its opportunity, with the government now working towards securing the financial guarantees required to host a race.
Speaking in Pretoria, Gayton McKenzie expressed confidence that South Africa could welcome Formula 1 well before 2030. The minister stressed that the country’s ambitions are progressing independently of Rwanda’s plans rather than representing a direct competition between the two nations. With discussions involving potential sponsors already under way, South Africa is approaching a decisive stage in its bid to return to the Formula 1 calendar.
South Africa targets F1 Grand Prix in 2028 or 2029 despite Rwanda agreement
Rwanda’s successful bid has attracted considerable attention across Africa, particularly among those hoping to see Formula 1 return to South Africa. However, Gayton McKenzie has rejected suggestions that his country was defeated in the process.
The minister publicly congratulated Rwanda on securing its agreement, acknowledging that the country had begun its preparations and submitted its application years before he took office.
“I’ve seen many comments saying South Africa was beaten. So I want to address that today. Rwanda applied years before I even thought about becoming Minister of Sport. Rwanda did the work. We came into the picture. I was appointed. And I followed what F1 wanted us to do. Now, applying for a place on the F1 calendar doesn’t mean you’re competing. Now they’re saying Rwanda beat us. No. We South Africans are still looking at 2028, 2029.”
Gayton McKenzie made it clear that Rwanda’s achievement should be celebrated rather than treated as a setback for South Africa’s ambitions.
“We’re very happy for Rwanda. We’re doing the work. We’re on track. Rwanda did what it needed to do. We, as South Africa, have spoken to the most important people, namely the sponsors.”
His comments underline the government’s belief that both countries could eventually feature on the Formula 1 calendar, even if their respective projects are progressing on different timelines.
South Africa enters crucial stage of Formula 1 bid
Gayton McKenzie also explained that securing a place on the Formula 1 calendar involves a very different process from the formal bidding procedures used in many other international sports.
According to the minister, submitting an application is not simply a matter of preparing documents and putting them in an envelope. Instead, the process requires extensive consultation and direct discussions with Formula 1’s senior management.
South Africa has already begun negotiations with potential sponsors, whom Gayton McKenzie considers essential to the success of the project. These discussions form part of the country’s broader efforts to demonstrate that it can meet the commercial and financial requirements of hosting a Grand Prix.
The next major step involves obtaining a formal government guarantee, which would provide the financial assurances necessary for South Africa’s proposed return to Formula 1.
South Africa needs €123 million guarantee to secure F1 race
One of the most significant requirements facing South Africa is the financial commitment demanded by Formula 1’s management.
According to Gayton McKenzie, the country must provide government guarantees worth approximately 2.3 billion South African rand, equivalent to around €123 million, before it can be entrusted with organising a Grand Prix.
The minister stressed that obtaining this guarantee would bring South Africa’s bid fully into line with the requirements established by Formula 1’s decision-makers.
The financial commitment represents a crucial hurdle for the government as it attempts to turn its ambitions into a confirmed place on the championship calendar.
President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as South Africa steps up F1 efforts
Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will accompany him to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4 December as part of the country’s efforts to bring Formula 1 back.
The visit is intended to strengthen South Africa’s engagement with Formula 1 officials and demonstrate the government’s commitment to securing a future race.
However, Gayton McKenzie emphasised that the necessary financial guarantees must already have been confirmed by the government before the delegation travels to Abu Dhabi.
The timing makes the coming weeks particularly important for South Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions. Securing the required assurances would allow the country to move forward with its proposal and continue discussions about a possible race in 2028 or 2029.
While Rwanda has already secured a long-term agreement for the African Grand Prix, South Africa remains determined to pursue its own opportunity. Gayton McKenzie’s message is that the two projects should not be viewed as mutually exclusive, with the South African government continuing its efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the country before the end of the decade.
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