South Africa Pushes for Formula 1 Return with $50 Million Bid for 2027 Grand Prix

South Africa is gearing up for a major push to bring a Formula 1 race to the country, with plans to raise $50 million to fund its bid.As part of the fundraising effort, McKenzie mentioned that talks are ongoing with potential sponsors like Heineken and Red Bull, as well as other interested parties, to secure the necessary capital to back the bid.

The country’s drive to host the event has gained considerable momentum, especially after seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his support for the idea. Hamilton, speaking last year, suggested that the time had finally come for an F1 race to be held in Africa.

"It's clear that there’s a desire to invest in this," McKenzie said, adding that the bid is being met with encouraging responses. He also revealed that South Africa could be in line to host the race in 2027, with the news that the Netherlands may not be returning to the calendar, potentially opening up a slot for the African nation.

A previous attempt to secure an F1 race in South Africa fell short in 2023. However, the deadline for potential race tracks to submit bids has been extended to mid-March, with Cape Town and Johannesburg emerging as the leading contenders to host the event. McKenzie stressed the importance of national unity in the bid process, calling for South Africans and potential investors to join forces in the effort, rather than pursuing individual initiatives.

If successful, South Africa will make a return to the Formula 1 calendar after a three-decade absence. The country last hosted an F1 race in 1993 at the Kyalami racetrack, located just north of Johannesburg. This return would not only bring a high-profile event to South Africa but also bolster the country's global standing in motorsport.

While South Africa is making strides, it’s worth noting that Rwanda has also shown interest in hosting a Formula 1 race. However, some concerns remain regarding the country’s infrastructure and whether its potential racetrack could meet the stringent requirements set by F1 organizers.

To further fuel the bid, McKenzie has invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the Chinese Grand Prix to help raise funds and increase support for the hosting plans. McKenzie, who was appointed as Sports Minister in June as part of a newly formed coalition government, is determined to see the Formula 1 race come to fruition.

“I’m telling you now—if I don’t bring Formula 1 to South Africa, I have failed as a Minister of Sports,” McKenzie said, emphasizing his resolve. “Formula 1 is coming to South Africa—by fire or by force.”