Kyalami F1 2023 tickets

South Africa last hosted a grand prix at Kyalami back in 1993, which also staged the race between 1967 and 1985 before returning in 1992 following the end of apartheid.

As part of F1's push to race on all continents and fully embrace its world championship status, talks have been ongoing about a potential return to South Africa for some time.

Following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali has travelled to South Africa where he is set to meet with Kyalami officials and other stakeholders for further talks about reviving the race.

Although 2024 had been mooted as a possible timeframe for the race to return, it is now understood that F1 could return to South Africa as early as next year, pending a successful outcome to talks in the coming weeks.

The return of Kyalami would add to an already-congested calendar for 2023 that is poised to hit the 24-race limit enforced by the Concorde Agreement.

The Qatar Grand Prix has already been confirmed as returning to the calendar as part of a new 10-year deal, following its inaugural event last year, while the first Las Vegas Grand Prix has also been announced for November 2023.

China is another race that has a contract to return to the schedule next year, although its status remains unclear due to the country's ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

Damon Hill, Williams FW15C, leads Alessandro Zanardi, Lotus 107B, Rubens Barrichello, Jordan 193, and Ivan Capelli, Jordan 193

Photo by: Motorsport Images

From the existing 22-race calendar, the French Grand Prix looks set to drop off the schedule for next year, while doubts remain over the future of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been one of the most vocal figures calling for a return to South Africa, saying it was a place "dear to my heart" and that he thought it would highlight the "great following out there".

Speaking at the Business of F1 Forum arranged by Motorsport Network and the Financial Times in Monaco, F1's global director of race promotion, Chloe Targett-Adams, said that a foothold in Africa was "something we've been working on for many years now".

"COVID showed us that we can race quickly, but really to get where we want to be strategically, to build the sport and build the fanbase, it is a couple of years process," Targett-Adams said.

"The US is still very much in our sights. Africa and Asia I think is where we need to be. If you look at China with the way that COVID has happened, we've been out of that market for maybe three years. Next year is still a question mark.

"Africa and Asia is the focus I think in the short- to mid-term, and how we race in Europe is also a big question, making sure we keep that heartland of the sport.

"It's a wonderful position to be in, because everyone wants a race. That just gives us the best opportunity to create the most strategically-focused, growth-driven calendar that we've been able to do for many years."

• South Africa is currently engaged in negotiations to host a Formula 1 race.
• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's meeting with Kyalami Circuit owner Toby Venter on Monday has added fuel to the speculation fire.
• The race promoter, Warren Scheckter, said they are working on making the race accessible to ordinary South Africans.

Speculation is rife about South Africa's involvement in the 2023 or 2024 Formula 1 season.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's meeting with Kyalami Circuit (the venue earmarked for an SA GP) owner Toby Venter on Monday, one day after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, fuelled suggestions that the country is indeed in the running to host a race.

Domenicali made a stop in South Africa en route to Canada for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

It is believed that talks with various stakeholders, including Venter, are already well under way, but questions still linger, leaving room for public speculation.

Adrian Scholtz, Chief Executive Officer at Motorsport South Africa (MSA), confirmed to Sport24 that negotiations are under way, but that the body is not in a position to comment on speculation or rumours.

"MSA can confirm that negotiations are under way between several key role players (including Kyalami) to enable the return of F1 to South Africa," Scholtz said. "I am sure you will appreciate that these negotiations are sensitive and involve a number of stakeholders.

"An announcement can be expected if and when the negotiations are successfully concluded, and the relevant agreements are put in place. In the meantime, I am afraid it would not be appropriate for MSA to either speculate on the outcome or provide any further comment." 

Toby Venter

South Africans will benefit

The South African Grand Prix Association is the promoter behind the race's return to South Africa and has long advocated hard for it. 

The notable personalities behind the SAGPA include SA's only F1 champion, Jody Scheckter, who won the championship in 1979, and Warren Scheckter.

Scheckter Jr, founder and CEO of the SAGPA, recently engaged in conversation with Double Apex, confirming that there is indeed movement in making the race a reality. But while this is ongoing, they are also working on making the race accessible to ordinary South Africans.

READ: How SA could force its way onto Formula One race calendar in 2023

Scheckter told the publication: "It must be clear that we do not want locals to be excluded. Therefore, tickets will be discounted for South Africans. There will be an allocation set aside that you can only access as a South African resident."

Social media has been rife with speculation about ticket prices, but Scheckter confirmed that it "will be well within reach of your average F1 fan."

The race promoter, working with the involved stakeholders, including the Kyalami Circuit, is looking to increase seating capacity to 90 000, including general access, grandstand seating, and hospitality areas.

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