Red Bull recently brought their 2011 championship-winning Formula 1 car, the RB7, to the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa for a demonstration run. This marked a symbolic event, as Formula 1 has not raced in South Africa for over 30 years, with the last South African Grand Prix held in 1993. The showcase of the RB7, flown in by helicopter, stirred enthusiasm for the potential return of F1 to the continent. David Coulthard, former F1 driver, highlighted the excitement by running demonstration laps at Kyalami, a track that previously hosted F1 races from 1967 to 1985 and briefly again in the early 1990s.
Kyalami has resurfaced and reconfigured since it last held an F1 event, and it is currently holding an FIA Grade 2 certification. However, to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, the track would need to attain the FIA Grade 1 status, which it is now aiming to achieve. Kyalami has partnered with Apex Circuit Design, the technical consultants for the Miami Grand Prix, to upgrade its facilities and meet the stringent requirements of Grade 1 certification. This collaboration signals serious intentions of bringing F1 back to South Africa, making the Kyalami Circuit a viable venue for international motorsport events once again.
During the event, Coulthard not only drove the RB7 around Kyalami but also engaged with the local motorsport culture, performing donuts with South African spinning champion Samkeliso “SamSam” Thubane. He further took the car to central Johannesburg, showcasing F1 to a wider South African audience and creating a spectacle that underscored the country’s enthusiasm for the sport. Coulthard expressed his admiration for the atmosphere at Kyalami, stating that the circuit and South Africa’s vibrant motorsport culture are well-suited for Formula 1’s return to the continent.
Calls for F1 to return to Africa have been growing, with prominent drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen voicing support for a race on the continent. South Africa and Rwanda have been considered as potential locations for hosting a future race, with Kyalami seen as the frontrunner given its established history with F1. The recent demonstration event, coupled with Kyalami’s efforts to upgrade its status, adds momentum to these calls and enhances the feasibility of a South African Grand Prix in the coming years.
Kyalami Raceway also released a statement underscoring its commitment to becoming a top-tier venue for international motorsport. Citing its rich legacy of F1 events, the circuit emphasized its alignment with Apex Circuit Design to create an engaging experience for both spectators and participants. With both historical significance and a dedication to future-ready facilities, Kyalami is positioning itself as an ideal candidate for an F1 return to Africa, potentially rekindling the excitement of the South African Grand Prix and expanding Formula 1’s global reach.
