Kyalami Grand Prix circuit upgrade sparks excitement, but F1 bid process under scrutiny

The announcement of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit's approval to begin upgrades to meet Formula 1 compliance has set the motorsport community abuzz, generating enthusiasm across South Africa.

The circuit's owner, Toby Venter, confirmed that between $5 and $10 million will be invested over the next three years, paving the way for Kyalami to become the continent's only Formula 1-compliant track.

This initiative is not merely about prestige; it represents a dedicated commitment by Venter and his team, who have worked since 2014 to restore Kyalami as a premier motorsport venue in Africa.

The circuit's upgrade to Grade 1 status—a classification bestowed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)—is a crucial milestone that acknowledges their progress.

With the current track holding a Grade 2 licence, the anticipated upgrades are estimated to cost between R100 million and R180 million.

“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent,” Venter stated. “The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.”

The announcement has been received as “encouraging” by the F1 Bid Steering Committee (BSC), who believe this development bodes well for the country's aspiration to host a Formula 1 race in the future.

However, the committee made it clear that the upgrade process was separate from their ongoing evaluation of bids received for hosting the race.

Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed his support for Kyalami’s upgrades, albeit noting that government funding would not be provided for the renovations.

He remarked, “He [Venter] gave me his word that his group would pay for it and see the whole process through.”

However, not all parties are satisfied with how the bidding process was unfolding. Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay voiced his frustration following their notification of an unsuccessful bid. He expressed concern over the relevance of the R10 million fee to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), a cost he deems excessive and opaque, questioning the fairness of the bidding process.

According to Amlay, he had already received a letter indicating that their failure to furnish the R10 million led to their disqualification from further consideration.

“A flawed process can be detrimental,” Amlay argued. “We still remain committed to the bidding process, and we’re open to engaging in a fair and transparent bidding model—one that encourages equitable participation and promotes long-term development within our region.”

The BSC spokesperson, Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, addressed these concerns by stating that the committee was in the final stages of formulating a report for the minister, which will detail the evaluation of the three bids received. “The report will provide an outcome on the process undertaken and the preferred promoter for the country,” Ndamase affirmed.

As the narrative around South Africa's F1 ambitions continues to unfold, the tension between excitement for the Kyalami upgrades and dissatisfaction with the bidding process raises crucial questions about the future of motorsport in the country. Only time will tell how these dynamics will impact the potential for Formula 1 to return to Southern Africa.

DAILY NEWS