The South African Kyalami circuit has received the first level of homologation from the FIA and is now aiming to be included in the calendar starting from 2027.
Formula 1 is constantly evolving. Given the growing demand from many countries, new circuits may be added to the calendar, and one of them is the South African Kyalami circuit.
In recent days, Stefano Domenicali had mentioned the possibility of adding new Grands Prix to the calendar (with a maximum limit set at 24), and the African continent has been absent from the F1 Circus for over thirty years. The opportunity is now ripe, and in fact, South African officials and the organizers of the Kyalami Grand Prix have been working to bring the circuit in line with the standards set by the Federation.
Meticulous and fast work has allowed the South African circuit to obtain the FIA’s Grade 1 certification, making it eligible to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The renovation and modernization works were carried out by Apex Circuit Design, with the homologation of the existing facilities.
The road ahead is still long, but the first step has been taken, and it’s not a small one. South Africa’s goal is very clear: to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix once again, something that has not happened since 1993. The Grade 1 certification from the FIA represents an important starting point that will allow organizers to negotiate with more confidence with F1’s top management to include the circuit in the calendar starting in 2027.
Among the prominent figures pushing for a Grand Prix in Africa is Lewis Hamilton, who, in recent weeks, made the following statement:“There would definitely be a lot of work to do there. I think many people don’t know how vast and beautiful that continent is. And probably some don’t even know all the things that are happening in those countries. That’s why I believe that having a Grand Prix there would definitely help raise awareness about those places and bring tourism and everything that comes with it.”
Photo: Kyalami Circuit
