Formula 1 News: Can Formula 1 be brought back to South Africa?

There’s no company on the planet that does marketing like Red Bull. After 30 years since it last hosted a Grand Prix, the Kyalami circuit in South Africa is alive with the sound of Formula 1 cars, featuring David Coulthard at the wheel of Oracle Red Bull Racing’s RB7.

– South Africa is actively working to bring Formula 1 back to the continent by upgrading Kyalami circuit to the required FIA Grade 1 status. Upgrade plans officially began in June 2025, with a clearer pathway now in place for compliance.

– The push is driven by major economic and developmental benefits, including tourism revenue, job creation, destination marketing, and positive investor signals — similar to the impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (which drew over 309,000 foreign visitors and generated more than R3 billion) and LIV Golf (which contributed R800 million).

– There has been no Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993 (last held at Kyalami), creating a 30+ year gap. This absence has reinforced the perception that elite motorsport is “unattainable” for local talent, who often have to seek opportunities abroad.

– A successful return would inspire young African drivers, validate grassroots talent-development programs, and help build a full motorsport ecosystem (driving, engineering, operations, etc.).

– Public-private stakeholder collaboration is seen as essential to making the event happen.

– Lewis Hamilton and other influential figures have publicly backed the ambition, emphasising African representation and the desire to race “on home soil.”

– WORR Motorsport is heavily involved in talent development and is committed to ensuring African drivers are central to the narrative if/when F1 returns.

Direct Quotes (all from Wesleigh Orr, founder and head coach of WORR Motorsport) from this article:

– “South Africa has already exemplified its capability to stage large-scale events under international scrutiny. The focus should not be on whether we can do it, but rather how to effectively mobilise both public and private stakeholders to make it happen.”

– “Major international sport is not just about spectatorship. It serves as a tourism catalyst, a platform for destination marketing, a job creator, and sends a robust signal to investors. Hosting Formula 1 will undeniably elevate these impacts.”

– “When Formula 1 remains exclusively overseas, it creates a narrative that the pinnacle of the sport is unattainable for many here. A return to Africa would serve as a tangible marker, making aspirations more attainable and elevating local dreams.”

– “Our commitment is to ensure that when the event comes back, African drivers are part of that story.”

– “This is not solely about bringing a race to South Africa. It involves fostering an entire ecosystem that empowers young Africans to believe in the feasibility of pursuing careers in Formula-level racing.”