South Africa’s ambition to bring Formula One racing back to its shores appears increasingly uncertain, with recent comments from F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali suggesting that other venues are ahead in the queue for inclusion.
Speaking during pre-season testing in Bahrain, Domenicali indicated that Turkey’s Istanbul Park circuit is under serious consideration for a return to the championship schedule. While no formal confirmation has been made, his remarks placed Turkey firmly in contention at a time when South Africa’s proposed comeback remains unresolved.
The F1 calendar is currently capped at 24 races, a limit Domenicali reiterated would remain in place for the foreseeable future. He added that potential expansion could only be considered from 2029 onwards, when several hosting contracts are due to expire. This timeline effectively delays any realistic opportunity for new entrants unless an existing event drops off the schedule.
competition grows as other venues secure positions
South Africa’s 2027 bid, centred around the Kyalami circuit, had already encountered setbacks earlier this year. In January, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie acknowledged that the country may have underestimated the logistical and financial requirements involved in staging a modern F1 Grand Prix.
Since then, competition for available slots has intensified. Portugal’s Portimao circuit is set to return in 2027, while Madrid is preparing a semi-permanent layout aimed at joining the calendar from the same year. Rwanda, Thailand and South Korea have also been cited as expressing interest in hosting future rounds.
Domenicali also addressed criticism that the championship features an increasing number of street circuits. He emphasised that permanent tracks remain part of F1’s long-term strategy, pointing to Istanbul as an example. However, South Africa’s Kyalami was not mentioned in his latest public comments.
Beyond venue selection, F1 management is reviewing format changes designed to enhance competition weekends. Plans under discussion include expanding the number of sprint events from six to 12 by 2027. According to Domenicali, the objective is to ensure that each session during a race weekend carries competitive significance.
South Africa has not hosted a Formula One Grand Prix since 1993, when the championship last visited Kyalami. Over the past three decades, the sport has expanded into new markets across the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, intensifying competition for limited calendar space.
While officials in Pretoria have previously expressed optimism about securing a return, the latest developments suggest that any revival of the South African Grand Prix may depend on shifts in contractual arrangements and strategic priorities later in the decade.
