Momentum is building for South Africa to host a Formula One Grand Prix. This comes after the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit received approval from motorsport’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to upgrade its facilities to Grade 1 status—a requirement for hosting Formula 1 races once renovations are completed.
The original Kyalami Circuit, built in 1961, became the heartbeat of motorsport in South Africa, famously hosting 21 Formula 1 Grand Prix races between 1967 and 1993. By the mid-1970s, it was hailed as one of the finest Grand Prix circuits in the world, also attracting global attention with events like the Kyalami 9-Hour endurance race and MotoGP, which ran there from 1983 to 1985.
Laying the groundwork for today’s big news, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali visited South Africa in 2022 for early talks with local stakeholders about bringing F1 back to the continent—though no formal agreement was reached at the time.
Now, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has officially secured the approval from the FIA to upgrade to Grade 1 status—the top-tier certification required to host Formula 1 races—a major step for this iconic venue, which was previously renovated in 2016 to meet Grade 2 standards.
The newly approved Grade 1 upgrade plans will focus on key safety and infrastructure improvements, including expanded run-off areas, upgraded barriers and debris fencing, modern kerbs, and improved drainage systems.
With this green light from the FIA, Kyalami now has a three-year window to complete the required upgrades. Once done, it will become Africa’s only FIA Grade 1-certified track—bringing the continent a step closer to hosting Formula 1 for the first time in over three decades.
Calling it a major milestone, Kyalami owner Toby Venter said, “This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” with the release also noting that “selected works will be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the F1 calendar…”
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