On Friday South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Tradition introduced the discharge of the Request for Expression of Curiosity (RFEOI) for events excited about taking part within the nation’s bid to host a Formulation 1 race, beginning in 2026 or 2027 “and past.”
It is a crucial subsequent step within the nation’s goal to hitch the F1 grid.
Within the announcement Gayton McKenzie, the nation’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Tradition, highlighted the importance of this milestone.
“This marks an thrilling step in our journey to carry Formulation 1 to South Africa,” mentioned Minister McKenzie. “The discharge of the RFEOI demonstrates our dedication to an open, inclusive and aggressive course of, showcasing South Africa’s potential to host a world-class motorsport occasion and our broader ambitions for financial development and international recognition.”
Within the RFEOI, which you’ll evaluate right here, the nation’s F1 historical past is famous on the outset. South Africa hosted its first Grand Prix in 1934 and joined the F1 schedule often in 1962. The South African Grand Prix was included on the F1 calendar nearly each season till the ultimate race, in 1993.
The information comes as F1 has introduced in latest months two races at present on the calendar — the Belgian Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix — are both seeing their run on the schedule come to an finish, or transfer to a rotational foundation. The Dutch Grand Prix will “end its wonderful run” in 2026, whereas the Belgian Grand Prix’s latest extension will see the race on the F1 schedule in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, skipping 2028 and 2030. These adjustments may open up spots on the annual calendar for brand new venues, reminiscent of South Africa.
In recent times many key figures in F1 have pushed for the game’s return to Africa, together with driver Lewis Hamilton.
With this step, that aim is nearer to turning into actuality.
