SA Government was 'not aware' of financial guarantees to make F1 return possible

Many South Africans had their excitement drop to their boots when it was confirmed that a Formula 1 race on home soil would not occur in 2023. Motorsport's pinnacle series last visited the African continent in 1993, and hopes were high that the Kyalami Circuit's three-decade absence would finally be over.

It was not to be, and it seems that it's not just the public who wants answers, but politicians, too.

Denis Joseph, a National Assembly and Democratic Alliance (DA) party member, posted direct questions to the South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, with his office responding to it.

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Is there support for F1's return?

Since news of SA's inclusion on the F1 calendar began circulating, one of the big questions was whether our Government would support such a venture. Attempts from News24 Sport for Government comment yielded no success, with phone calls ending on the empty promises of responding to emails.

Joseph, though, didn't beat around the bush with his opening question, kicking in the door and asking if Government was in support of F1's return to Mzansi. The minister's office confirmed that Government does support it.

Sadly, while Government supports F1's return, they did nothing from their side to gauge the public's interest, nor the economic impact an event of this calibre could have on Gauteng and South Africa.

READ: No major changes to Kyalami needed for SA race, owner Toby Venter confirms after F1 CEO meeting

"The Department has not conducted any research and/or work with any Departments nor the private sector to measure the interest and identify the economic impact, especially market branding for