From BAD to WORSE for future SA F1 GP prospects
Any future SA F1 GP prospects took a nosedive this weekend, when the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali had this to say …
SA F1 GP prospects took a knock this weekend when Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali alluded to another venue returning to the calendar ahead of South Africa. As it is, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie dropped the bombshell in early January that the country’s 2027 bid had, “underestimated what it takes to host an F1 race.”
Now, latest comment from Domenicali suggests that any SA F1 GP prospects are unlikely until at least 2029. Speaking at the final pre-season test in Bahrain last week, the sport’s CEO said Turkey is now the next country in-line to return to the F1 calendar.
BLOW FOR SA F1 GP PROSPECTS
Addressing criticism that the calendar features too many street races, the Italian said Turkey’s Istanbul circuit is firmly on F1’s radar again. “Turkey is not 100% confirmed, we have to wait and see. But keep an eye on it,” he said. Given that South Africa’s Kyalami bid is also a permanent racing circuit, we can therefore assume it’s been overlooked yet again.
Furthermore, January 2026 delivered another gut-punch to the Department of Sports, Art and Culture. This took the shape of the WSL Jeffery’s Bay contest being dropped from the 2026 calendar, replaced by the unheralded Raglan, New Zealand. Once again, Minister McKenzie denies any responsibility for the loss in millions in revenue with the world championship no longer visiting South African shores.
TRY AGAIN IN 2029
Portugal’s excellent Portimao circuit also rejoins the calendar in 2027 ahead of South Africa. Madrid is another semi-permanent circuit working to be ready for 2027 and beyond. And Domenicali hinted at the ongoing interest from the likes of Rwanda, Thailand and South Korea. However, mention of any SA F1 GP prospects were conspicuously absent this weekend.
And the CEO once again confirmed that the F1 championship would not expand beyond its current limit of 24 races. “We could look at expanding from 2029 onwards, because we have other contracts expiring,” the Italian said. He also confirmed that F1 is considering other format adjustments – like increasing the number of sprint events from six to 12 by 2027.
“F1 aims to be constantly evolving. Everyone wants to see a session where F1 cars fight for something. The Sprint was just one answer. And we are thinking about how the other weekends need something in this direction. We will present a package of ideas by the summer,” concluded the F1 CEO. – with GMM
But what do you think of SA F1 GP prospects? Do we even want the Formula 1 circus in South Africa? Or is it simply expensive and overhyped? Let us know in the comments section below …
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