The bid to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa has become mired in controversy as Cape Town Grand Prix South Africa (CTGPSA) accused Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie of orchestrating a flawed process by requiring a R10 million deposit just to enter the competition to host the race. This demand has fueled frustration amid an already tense and drawn-out bidding procedure.
South Africa began formal steps to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar last year, with Minister McKenzie announcing the formation of a Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee tasked with selecting a bid to host the event. The focus is on securing a spot for the South African F1 Grand Prix, a race the country last held in 1993.
Background: The Return of Formula 1 to South Africa
Formula 1 stopped visiting South Africa after its 1993 race, won by Alain Prost, due to a combination of financial hurdles and political challenges that prevented the event from continuing. Since then, Africa has lacked representation on the Formula 1 World Championship schedule. McKenzie has publicly stated that his tenure would be deemed unsuccessful if Formula 1 does not return to South African soil.
The selection process is nearing a decision, with the Bid Steering Committee expected to confirm the preferred venue soon. Currently, Kyalami circuit is leading, having obtained FIA approval to upgrade its Grade 2 certification to Grade 1, making it eligible to host Formula 1 races.
Criticism Surrounding Bid Submission Requirements and Timeline
Igshaan Almay, CEO of CTGPSA, has voiced strong criticism of the bidding process, particularly regarding the upfront financial commitment. He emphasized that it is unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic history to demand such a substantial fee merely to submit a proposal for hosting an event.
Cape Town Grand Prix sees this whole process as a flawed process, because firstly, nowhere in South Africa in the new democracy, has there been a request that you have to pay R10 million rand to bid to bring an event to the country,
—Igshaan Almay, CEO of CTGPSA
Almay further highlighted that the R10 million deposit should not be a barrier to bid consideration since it does not alter the underlying economics of the proposal. The short deadline compounded these difficulties, with less than ten days given to prepare a full bid along with the required deposit.
Only after we pushed for an extension to encourage a fair process did an extension emerge.
—Igshaan Almay, CEO of CTGPSA
CTGPSA has requested further transparency about what happens with the R10 million deposit—whether it will be refunded, under what conditions, and the timeframe for any such refund. These questions remain unanswered as the bidding process continues.
Allegations of Ministerial Bias in Venue Selection
Almay also raised concerns about possible bias, pointing out a public statement by Minister McKenzie from December 7, 2024, when he declared that the race would take place at Kyalami before the Bid Steering Committee was even established or had evaluated any candidates or conducted economic assessments.
The fact that minister McKenzie appointed the BSC cannot just be overlooked as trivial, especially given how things played out after this.
—Igshaan Almay, CEO of CTGPSA
McKenzie’s department responded swiftly to these accusations, labeling them as entirely unfounded. Department spokesperson Stacey-Lee Khojane assured that the bidding process was open and impartial, with all submissions reviewed fairly and objectively by the committee without the minister’s direct involvement.
Their [CTGPSA’s] allegations are utterly and totally baseless.
—Stacey-Lee Khojane, Department spokesperson
The Future of South Africa’s Grand Prix Bid
The controversy surrounding the South African F1 Grand Prix bid underscores the challenges faced in reviving a major international sporting event after a long absence. The outcome of this bidding process will shape South Africa’s return to the global motorsport stage and potentially restore Africa’s position on the Formula 1 map.
With Kyalami poised as the frontrunner and the Bid Steering Committee set to announce the preferred candidate imminently, the next steps will be crucial to determining whether Formula 1 will once again race on South African tarmac and meet Minister McKenzie’s goal of success during his tenure.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when permanent numbers were introduced in 2014. Despite being seen as unlucky in some cultures, Formula 1 lets drivers choose their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British racing driver. He competes in Formula One for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experience with ADHD while also sharing his varied interests and hobbies.
Q. Is 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, drivers can choose to use the number 13, and one driver has already done so. When the permanent numbering system started in 2014, Pastor Maldonado picked number 13. He was the first to race with this number in modern F1 history. Although number 13 is often seen as unlucky in many cultures, Formula 1 decided not to leave it out.
Q. What F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Born in 1985, Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One driver who races for Mercedes and formerly drove for McLaren. He openly talks about his experience with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.