South Africa says it could still host F1 before Rwanda

A South African government spokesman has insisted that the country could host an F1 Grand Prix sooner than Rwanda, which was announced as a host – likely from the early 2030s – earlier this week. 

Head of public diplomacy Clayson Monyela said that suggestions that South Africa had “lost” to Rwanda in the race to host Africa’s first F1 Grand Prix in over 30 years were wide of the mark, and said that preparations continue to secure a race in 2028 or 2029.

“The narrative that #SouthAfrica “lost” Formula 1 to Rwanda is a misinterpretation of how the global F1 calendar operates,” Monyela tweeted. 

“We Aren’t Even Competing for the Same Years. Rwanda’s deal is a long-term play targeting the early 2030s for a completely brand-new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera. Meanwhile [South Africa’s] immediate focus is targeting a slot much sooner – specifically 2028 or 2029. 

“[South Africa’s] bid committee is actively moving forward with corporate backing to secure an earlier date.”

F1’s statement had explicitly stated that the Rwanda Grand Prix “will see the sport return to Africa for the first time since 1993.”

Room for one more?

The statement builds on comments from South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie, who suggested in a congratulatory message to Rwanda last week that South Africa was working on hosting a race sooner than Rwanda. 

“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1. They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it. Remember though that one country, Italy, has had two F1s a year, and some react like a continent of 55 countries can only get one. SA will get F1, even before 2030.”

Monyela further sketched out that idea. 

“Formula 1 Management (FOM) has a massive, rapidly expanding global audience. An entire continent of 54+ countries can absolutely sustain more than one race. Rwanda entering the calendar simply breaks the ice for Africa’s return; it doesn’t lock the door for others.”

However, because the Formula 1 calendar is currently capped at a maximum of 24 races, adding a new venue generally means an existing track must leave, rotate, or alternate.

‘Massive private sector appetite’

Monyela went on to say that the country has two potential options in the works.

“South Africa Already Has the Infrastructure Core. Rwanda is building its multi-billion dollar project entirely from scratch. South Africa, by contrast, has multiple highly viable, active options: The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit [near Johannesburg]: Already holds an FIA Grade 2 certification & has approved, ready-to-go design plans to upgrade to Grade 1 status. 

“The Cape Town Private Bid: The BMR Consortium recently reaffirmed its commitment to a privately funded R6.7 billion motorsport precinct targeted for 2031, citing Cape Town’s unmatched existing tourism & airport infrastructure.”

He also insisted that South Africa’s bid was underpinned by widespread private sector support.  

“Unlike bids reliant entirely on state funding, South Africa’s approach leverages massive private sector appetite. The current bid has already brought heavy-hitting corporate sponsors to the table – including MTN, Discovery, Betway, and Canal+. F1 is a commercial sport, and South Africa’s broadcasting weight and domestic market size remain incredibly lucrative to [F1 owner] Liberty Media.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday congratulated Rwanda on its successful bid.

“South Africa shares in the pride with which Rwanda is preparing to fly the chequered flag for our continent with the hosting of a globally prestigious event at the planned Bugesera circuit from the early 2030s…As host of the first Grand Prix on African soil in 1993, and organiser of other major global events, South Africa will be happy to provide any support we may be invited to share.”