We attended a press briefing at the iconic circuit recently, where it was announced that the circuit will be upgraded to a Grade 1 rating by the end of 2025. This potentially allows the historic South African circuit to host the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in over 30 years.
SA's premier Grand Prix Circuit
Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami circuit quickly became the premier motorsport facility in Southern Africa. Its pleasant summer climate made it a favoured destination for European competitors seeking to escape the winter off-season. By the mid-70s, Kyalami had earned international recognition, hosting 21 Formula 1 Grand Prix races, the popular Kyalami 9-Hour sports car race, and several Moto GP events. These competitions showcased the circuit and brought global attention to South Africa.
The current 4.522km layout, which underwent significant upgrades in 2016, holds FIA Grade 2 certification. Beyond motorsport, the Kyalami precinct has established itself as a venue with year-round commercial activity, boasting multi-use functionality for conferences, shows, exhibitions, and lifestyle events.
What is Grade 1?
The journey to Grade 1 status has been a five-year endeavour, culminating in the FIA's acceptance of the final design proposals. Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design (the firm behind the Miami Formula 1 street circuit, among others), detailed the meticulous plan at a press conference held at Kyalami.
"This is a defining moment for South African motorsport," said Venter. "When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey."
The proposed upgrade enhances existing safety features without altering the circuit's layout. This "light-touch" engineering approach will improve run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage, all designed to meet the stringent modern Grade 1 requirements. "This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements," explained Bowen.
What's Next for Kyalami?
With FIA approval, Kyalami has a three-year window to complete the necessary Grade 1 upgrades. Initial works will be strategically scheduled to avoid disrupting current business partners and events. The full scale of these works will be influenced by South Africa's potential inclusion on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami's selection as the preferred hosting venue.
Once the capital works are completed and a final inspection is conducted, Kyalami will proudly stand as Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit, fully capable of hosting Formula 1.
"Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil," concluded Venter, echoing the excitement and anticipation surrounding this monumental development for South African motorsport and the continent.
The need for government involvement
Bringing Formula 1 back to South Africa hinges significantly on robust government involvement due to the immense financial, logistical, and strategic commitments required. The South African government must actively engage by providing substantial financial guarantees to cover the multi-million dollar F1 hosting fees and potential infrastructure upgrades beyond the circuit, such as improved roads and public transport, which benefit the broader public. At the time of writing, Thailand's government cabinet has approved a R1.2 billion bid to host an F1 race in 2028, providing an estimate of how much it will cost South Africa to host the event.
Furthermore, the government's role extends to facilitating the complex regulatory approvals, ensuring top-tier security for such a high-profile international event, and leading a cohesive "Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee" to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, as already established by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Word from the Bid Steering Committee
In response to the Kyalami announcement, the F1 Bid Steering Committee provided a press release which stated:
South Africa’s F1 Bid Steering Committee has noted recent announcements that the International Automobile Federation (commonly referred to as the FIA) has approved the design proposals that will make Kyalami a Grade 1 Certified circuit, the highest international standard for a circuit to qualify to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. This development is encouraging and bodes well for the country’s bid to host a Formula 1 race in future.
Whilst the committee believes this is positive news for South Africa and motorsport in our country, it wishes to clarify that the above announcement and development is entirely independent from the work of the committee. The committee remains seized with the evaluation and adjudication of proposals received for the staging and promotion of an F1 Race in South Africa. In the near future, the Committee will make an announcement on the outcomes of this process along with the preferred promoter for the country.
