Spa-Francorchamps saved for 2024 F1 season: South Africa “pays” for its relations with Russia. South Africa "pays" for its relations with Russia.

South Africa in Formula 1: An agreement almost reached
The 2024 Formula One season calendar seemed increasingly close to welcoming the South African Grand Prix, which has been absent from Formula 1 since 1993. The numerous negotiations, characterized by a mix of denials and confirmations regarding a possible agreement with Liberty Media, had reignited hopes, especially after the involvement of a new promoter, 777, a US sports investment company led by Adam Brown, who is also the promoter of the Kyalami 9 Hours.

Kyalami replacing Spa-Francorchamps: An idea that fell through
In this way, the economic complications seemed to be nearing a solution, with Formula 1 inching closer to a return to Africa. Moreover, this event would have replaced another historic appointment like the one at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, which was facing difficulties in contract renewal negotiations. However, the situation has almost completely reversed, but this time not due to economic reasons.

The reason for giving up on South Africa
While the Belgian Grand Prix has not yet confirmed reaching an agreement to stay in the sport, what is certain is the definitive withdrawal of South Africa, at least according to racingnews365.com. The main reason is primarily related to a political reality, given South Africa’s proximity to Russia. Following the invasion of Ukraine, Formula 1 had sanctioned Russia by excluding the Grand Prix from the championship and by not allowing any Russian or Belarusian drivers to participate unless they signed a neutrality agreement.

Proximity to Russia
South Africa, as part of the association of emerging economies (BRICS) along with Russia and other countries, did not denounce or sanction Russia for the war in Ukraine, adopting a neutral stance. Furthermore, the United States has accused South Africa of supplying weapons to Russia to support its war efforts, thus emphasizing the alignment between the country and the Kremlin. For this reason, the possibility of organizing a GP in the near future is therefore untenable.

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