Formula 1 News: Several African GP bids ‘fighting’ for F1 race deal (Update)
South Africa’s bid to host a Formula One (F1) Grand Prix from 2026/27 took a significant step with minister of sport Gayton McKenzie announcing a request for expression of interest (RFEOI) for interested parties on Friday.
The bid steering committee, which is composed of a diverse group of experts from key sectors working on a volunteer basis, was appointed by McKenzie in December to manage and guide SA’s F1 bid process.
The RFEOI document provides detailed terms of reference, including the minimum requirements and expectations for interested parties to ensure a transparent, competitive and compliant process aligned with F1’s global standards.
“This marks an exciting step in our journey to bring Formula 1 to South Africa,” said an excited McKenzie, highlighting the significance of the milestone.
“The release of the RFEOI demonstrates our commitment to an open, inclusive and competitive process, showcasing SA’s ability to host a world-class motorsport event and our broader ambitions for economic growth and global recognition.”
Press Release Issued by the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture is proud to announce the release of the Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) by the Bid Steering Committee (BSC) for parties interested in participating in South Africa’s bid to host a Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in 2026/27 and beyond.
The Bid Steering Committee, appointed by Minister Gayton McKenzie in December 2024, was tasked with managing and guiding South Africa’s F1 bid process. This committee is composed of a diverse group of experts from key sectors working on a volunteer basis, united in their goal to position South Africa as a premier candidate to host this iconic global motorsport event.
The RFEOI document provides detailed terms of reference, including the minimum requirements and expectations for interested parties. This ensures a transparent, competitive, and compliant process aligned with F1’s global standards.
The RFEOI document is publicly available for download on the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s official website under the title “What’s New”.
Here is a link to the document: RFEOI for SA’s Formula One Bid
The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2025.
Submissions must be sent via email to bid@saf1bsc.com.
Queries regarding the RFEOI can be directed to the Bid Steering Committee at info@saf1bsc.com.
Minister McKenzie highlighted the significance of this milestone:
“This marks an exciting step in our journey to bring Formula 1 to South Africa. The release of the RFEOI demonstrates our commitment to an open, inclusive and competitive process, showcasing South Africa’s ability to host a world-class motorsport event and our broader ambitions for economic growth and global recognition.”
The Ministry encourages all eligible and interested stakeholders to engage with the RFEOI and bid for this opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s potential hosting of this prestigious event.
October 11, 2024
(GMM) Several projects on the continent appear to be in competition for a future African GP.
This year’s FIA prize gala will take place in Rwanda, with the East African country also working on a grand prix project that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has described as a “good plan”.
There are concerns, however, not only about the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, but about how poor the country is.
“A country whose GDP is made up 40 percent by Western aid should not be allowed in Formula 1,” an unnamed F1 team boss told Auto Bild.
Related Article: South Africa still trying to land F1 race
Another African GP project is shaping up in South Africa as well.
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie told the ‘The South African’ newspaper: “I can tell you this – F1 is definitely coming.
“F1 told us they’re keen to come, they told us what they’ll need to come, and we are going to give them what they need to come,” he added.
The last grand prix on African soil took place at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg, in 1993.
Minister McKenzie continued: “There’s still a big fight at the moment. Is it Cape Town, or is it Joburg? That decision has not been taken.”
Related Rumor: New candidate for future Africa GP emerges