President set to participate in F1 race as South Africa's efforts ramp up.
"This is a professional visit, not a casual one."
South Africa’s renewed efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the continent are gaining momentum, with President Cyril Ramaphosa planning to attend a grand prix later this year as lobbying initiatives escalate. Sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the visit, stating it forms part of a formal initiative to return Formula 1 to the Kyalami circuit for the first time since 1993. "His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to accompany me to a Formula 1 Grand Prix later this year," McKenzie shared with Africa Business. "This is a professional visit, not a casual one." "The President’s presence will allow us to observe, engage, and reinforce our proposal." South Africa is reportedly competing with Rwanda and Morocco for the opportunity to host the highly anticipated return of F1 to Africa. Kyalami has emerged as the leading candidate after the FIA granted approval for developments to upgrade the historic circuit to Grade 1 status. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently indicated that discussions with various African contenders are ongoing, though he cautioned that a deal is unlikely to materialize in the near term. McKenzie affirmed, "An entire generation of young African motorsport fans has never witnessed a Formula 1 race in their own country." "We aim to change that."
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