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Does South Africa take another step towards F1 return? Bids open!
- Savannah Lenz
Looking to return to Formula 1, South Africa as opened the bidding process. Now, after 31 years, the country is making an attempt to regain a spot on the F1 grid. Small steps are being made, including the South African government launching a bidding process for organisers of the potential future race.
Several media outlets, including The Race, have reported that the South African government has started the process of bringing an F1 race back to their country by appointing a Bid Steering Committee. The objective of the committee is to find suitable organisers for F1 to return to the country. The last Formula 1 Grand Prix that was held in South Africa was at the Kyalami circuit over 31 years ago on 14th March 1993.
South Africa government sets requirements for F1 bids
The government has set strict requirements surrounding the F1 fids. The candidates must have sufficient experience with organising events on a large-scale. They must also present a sustainable business model as well as pay a 10 million South African rands or 520,000 euros deposit to the government. The deadline is only two weeks away with the application shutting on 31 January. After that, a shortlist of the candidates will be released.
However, South Africa isn't the only country on the continent that wants to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Rwanda has also announced plans to make a bid. The CEO of F1, Stefano Donemicali, has said that he does see a Grand Prix returning to Africa in the future.
This article was written in collaboration with Esteban den Toom.
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