Home
FacebookSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

South Africa revs up F1 GP bid

21 Oct 2024 - by Bianca Capazorio
Comments | 0

South Africa is accelerating efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the country, with plans to meet F1 organisers by year-end to discuss hosting a race. 

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille confirmed at a press conference last week that she would attend the meeting – which will likely take place in December, potentially in Abu Dhabi – along with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. 

McKenzie's department was leading the charge to secure the event, while the tourism department planned to use the opportunity to promote South Africa as a global destination, said De Lille. 

The tourism department, which has a budget for infrastructure and maintenance, could also assist with building or upgrading the infrastructure required for the event, she said. A decision has not yet been made on where in South Africa the race would take place. 

“The franchise holders want to consult with the government – it’s not just a private-sector issue. Minister McKenzie and I will then bring feedback to the Cabinet as it’s the Cabinet’s decision to determine what is required,” said De Lille. 

In September, McKenzie posted on social media that he had met with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, saying they were “one step closer” to securing the race for South Africa. McKenzie has also met with Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to discuss additional support for the country’s bid. 

To date, only two African countries – Morocco and South Africa – have hosted a Formula 1 race, with South Africa last hosting it in 1993. Rwanda is also vying to host a race. “Rwanda is a bit ahead of us, and is about to sign with F1,” De Lille said. 

While South Africa currently lacks a qualifying track, Kyalami Circuit holds an FIA Grade 2 certification. Recently, Johannesburg hosted Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and his Oracle Red Bull Racing RB7 car during the Red Bull Showrun event, which drew a crowd of 20 000 people. 

Formula 1 is a fast-growing sport, drawing thousands of fans over race weekends. Silverstone in the UK drew a record 480 000 fans over its race weekend in 2023, while in Japan, 220 000 fans attended the two days. However, hosting a race comes with significant costs, with race fees ranging from US$15 million (R263 million) to $50 million (R878 million), according to the Michigan Journal of Economics. 

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

Exorbitant taxes clip African airlines' wings

Yesterday
Comments | 0

US mulls visa ‘integrity’ fee

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Feature: The Vineyard Hotel: home-grown sustainability

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Which EU cities have the highest tourist taxes?

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Silversea adds charter flights for Galapagos sailings

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Monday Smile: Live like a Smurf in the Belgian woods

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (11 Jul '25)

13 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Alaskan cruises ‘off the table’ for SA travellers

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Major expansion planned for George Airport

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

FlySafair expands Cape Town-Kruger network

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Club Med SA nears bookings launch

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Feature: Delta’s sustainability milestones

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0

Ritz-Carlton's new yacht makes debut

10 Jul 2025
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

New products July 2025

Poll

I don't sell cruises because...
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News