Gayton McKenzie confirms no Formula 1 in South Africa in the near future
Despite ongoing efforts and upgrades at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, South Africa’s Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie acknowledges that hosting an F1 race in the near future is unlikely due to underestimated requirements and existing multi-year contracts with other venues. Photo: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
Contrary to his previous statements, Sa minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie says F1 will not be coming to South Africa anytime soon.
As it stands, there are 24 races for the upcoming 2026 season— the same number as it was last year.
The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit has already begun a costly process to upgrade its track; it’s a little more complicated than simply having a venue that can host an F1 event.
These upgrades will cost between 5 million (R83 million) and 10 million US dollars (R167 million). The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade —which notably requires no change to the circuit layout—focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage.
South Africa’s F1 Hosting Plans: Expert Preparation for Future Events
When asked about when South Africa could host an F1 event, McKenzie told ENCA: “Next year, definitely not. We have underestimated what is required to host an F1 event. But F1 has held our hand. But now we’ve got the experts and are putting together a bid they can’t refuse.”
According to motoring website Double Apex editor Sudhir Matai, McKenzie’s efforts have not yielded any results.
“The minister has previously stated that he’d have failed in his role if he cannot get an F1 race in South Africa. This has made him somewhat of a hero among fans of the sport,” Matai writes on Double Apex.
“However, his words have not brought us any closer to a race on African soil despite many optimistic soundbites. This is despite attending many races and meeting with F1 brass on multiple occasions, no doubt at the taxpayer’s expense.”
F1 Race Venue Contracts and Future Schedules: Barcelona’s 2026
Expiration, Portugal’s Addition, and Kyalami’s Challenges
Each venue which hosts an F1 race will have a multi-year contract, and the only venue which will expire in 2026 is Barcelona.
However, Barcelona can still negotiate with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). In fact, Portugal has been added to the schedule in 2027 and 2028. The Belgian Grand Prix will also become a rotational event from 2027.
It means that even though Kyalami will soon become Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent, finding a gap on the calendar could remain the biggest hurdle.