Formula 1 looks set to return to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

SPORT

Formula 1 is seemingly on the brink of welcoming back the South African Grand Prix on its calendar as early as next year.

If all goes well, the event will be staged at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, which last hosted Formula 1 machinery back in 1993, after it played host to 21 races.

As a part of F1’s push to race on all continents – to truly give the championship its “world championship” status – talks have been continuing regarding a return to South Africa for some time.

READ: Excitement builds around F1's possible move to SA as Kyalami plots compliancy upgrade

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali previously travelled to the country to meet Kyalami officials in a bid to seal the deal.

An announcement of the South African Grand Prix would ensure that the F1 reaches its 24-race limit, putting the likes of Belgium and France at risk of being axed from the calendar.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been pining for a return to the continent.

Since Liberty Media took control of the championship five years ago, it has been the company’s ambition to extend the championship to Africa, while also adding further races in both America and Asia.

Domenicali told journalists in March: 

In previous months, there have been mixed reactions from locals to the imminent return of an F1 weekend.

Many were doubtful on all sorts of grounds, including the cost and the country’s ability to host such a large event, as well as infrastructure and security.

The noise being made thus far should keep a smile on South Africans’ faces, though, as most of it suggests that a return of the sport is likely to have a profoundly positive effect on the country.

The F1 comes with huge financial backing that South Africans can take