The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg has received Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) approval for its Grade 1 amendment plans, opening the door for the track to host a South African Grand Prix.
Kyalami already has its FIA Grade 2 certification, but would require the Grade 1 status to host F1 racing.
By receiving written acceptance from the FIA, Kyalami effectively has the green light to go ahead with its changes, and would become South Africa’s only Grade 1 circuit upon the completion of the alterations.
No changes to the track layout are planned or necessary to reach Grade 1 status. Instead, improvements will be made to elements like run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” said circuit owner Toby Venter.
“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore 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.”
Kyalami will have three years to complete the upgrades, which will be conducted at times that do not disrupt existing events and races from the track’s business partners.
Furthermore, certain upgrades will not be completed until a South African Grand Prix is confirmed, and only if Kyalami is chosen as the hosting venue for it.
South African Grand Prix process ongoing
This news from Kyalami follows the recent publishing of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, which unsurprisingly did not include a South African Grand Prix.
This is because the ongoing process by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture is focused on bidding for the South African Grand Prix to return in 2027.
The department has confirmed that it received three bids – one of which was Kyalami’s.
Another is almost certainly for a Grand Prix in the Western Cape, as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has noted that a new F1-grade race track is being built in the province.
The third bidder is unknown at this time.
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