Formula 1 all but confirmed for South Africa in 2023

Formula 1 (F1) may be making its way to South Africa for the first time in 30 years.

It was reported in June that F1 was working towards a deal to see South Africa rejoin the international race calendar in time for 2023.

Following this, the latest rumours suggest that plans are being finalized for the country to take the stage as part of next year’s race series.

F1sasha, a prominent media figure in the local motoring scene, tweeted this morning that DHL and F1 have signed a five-year contract.

Unconfirmed yet pretty reliable source is claiming that
the South African GP at Kyalami is CONFIRMED for 2023. Formula 1 and DHL have signed a 5-YEAR contract.

Formula 1 will return to South Africa after nearly 30 years since the last Grand Prix.#F1 #Formula1 #SouthAfricanGP

— F1sasha (@F1sasha) July 12, 2022

This deal with DHL, according to F1sasha, will likely mean that the logistics company will shuttle F1 equipment to South Africa if the country does return to the calendar.

The tweet was corroborated by F1Insider, who said that tickets will likely go for around R5,000.

More BREAKING on the South African Grand Prix:

Tickets are most likely going to cost around 5000 South African Rand, which is around 300 Euros.#F1 #Formula1 #SouthAfricanGP

— F1 Paddock Insider (@F1Insider_) July 11, 2022

It is important to note the rumour that the racing series will come to South Africa is still unconfirmed, as no official statement has been made by the F1 and the upcoming race season calendar is still provisional.

Kyalami Grand Prix

If the rumours are true, the 2023 Formula 1 series will make an appearance at Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Midrand, Gauteng.

Following last month’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali travelled to South Africa to meet with Kyalami officials to discuss the possibility of reviving the track for future races, according to motorsport.com.

The last time South Africa hosted an F1 event at the track was in 1993, and the venue will need to be updated in order to abide by today’s F1 standards.

The ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine has ruled out the possibility of a Russian Grand Prix for the foreseeable future, and China’s strict Covid policies have raised doubts about F1 making an appearance there as well.

Similarly, it is possible that France and Belgium will not be included in the final calendar for 2023.

This means there is an opportunity for South Africa to slot into 2023’s line-up, as a maximum of 24 events are allowed per year.

F1’s global director of race promotion, Chloe Targett-Adams, said that establishing a foothold in Africa was “something we’ve been working on for many years now.”

Lewis Hamilton added his own comment, saying last month that “the place that I really feel is dear to my heart and most important to get a race back is in South Africa.”