Negotiations for SA's F1 race confirmed, as prices set to be 'well within reach'

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." 

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