F1 set for Africa return with possible 2023 Johannesburg race for first time in 30 years

According to reports, F1 bosses are planning a visit to South Africa for more talks about a return to racing on the continent for the first time in three decades

F1 looks set to revive the South African Grand Prix after a 30-year absence

The South African Grand Prix’s return to Formula 1 looks to be a step closer as chiefs prepare to travel to the country for more negotiations.

Stefano Domenicali has long spoken of his desire for the sport to reach all corners of the globe, with Africa currently the only populated continent without an annual F1 race. That could change as soon as next season, amid reports that the Kyalami Circuit will once again host a Grand Prix.

According to the Daily Mail, talks to make that happen are at “an advanced stage”. Domenicali is scheduled to travel to South Africa next week to iron out the details, and successful talks could lead to a return to the F1 calendar from 2023.

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Kyalami hosted an annual race between 1967 and 1985, until F1 bosses dropped it from the schedule over apartheid in the country. The sport returned in 1992, once the violence and racial segregation had ended, but lasted for just one more year after that before the Grand Prix was discontinued.

It could return once again 30 years later, with the 2.8-mile circuit north of Johannesburg expected to be the venue again if it does. Track owner Toby Venter and chief executive Tom Hamilton will be present at the talks with Domenicali when he visits next week.

The report goes on to say it would be the French Grand Prix which would be dropped to make room on the calendar, with F1 scaling back the number of races in Europe to make the sport a more global. The future of classic races in Belgium and Monaco is also in doubt, and they may take place in alternate years going forward.

F1 last raced at Kyalami in 1993

“On top of America, on top of China, there is a potential to be in Africa soon. There is a lot of interest there. That’s an area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar,” said Domenicali. “It is up to us to try to find the right balance between the historical values ​​of the old and famous European tracks and other destinations across the world.”

News of a return to Kyalami would delight Lewis Hamilton, who has spoken of his desire to see F1 races take place in Africa once again. “The place that I really feel is dear to my heart and most important to get a race back is in South Africa,” he said recently. “There is a great following out there and I think it would be great to be able to highlight just how beautiful the motherland is.”

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