Several African GP bids are gaining momentum on the continent. But which will ultimately gain approval from F1’s dealmakers? South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, recently revealed to The South African: “I can tell you this … F1 is definitely coming back to South Africa.” However, there is telling evidence to the contrary.
Specifically, this year’s (2024) FIA prize gala will take place on the African continent, but not in South Africa. Rather, the star-studded night that celebrates motor racing’s finest will take place in the East African country of Rwanda. Moreover, F1 insiders believe this gesture is surefire assurance that Rwanda’s GP bid will win out.
AFRICAN GP BIDS
Furthermore, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has described Rwanda’s F1 bid as a ‘good plan’. There’s long been an argument that a Formula 1 World Championship should visit every continent on the planet. And seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is an active supporter of any African GP bids, to help spread the sport across the globe.
Nevertheless, of the African GP bids, Rwanda is not without its deriders. Firstly, there are genuine concerns about the recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda that’s claimed 12 lives. Secondly, F1 insiders question the optics of bringing the glitzy F1 show to one of the poorest countries in the world. An unnamed F1 team boss recently quoted in Auto Bild: “F1 cannot in all conscience visit a country whose GDP is made up of 40% Western aid.”
SOUTH AFRICAN GP
Meanwhile, the second of the African GP bids is shaping up in South Africa, reports Daily Investor. Through the renewed efforts of Minister Gayton McKenzie, another meeting with F1 organisers and tourism officials is expected to take place before the end of the year, possibly at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This follows a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, earlier this year.
According to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, speaking to media this week: “Authorities are considering using the Tourism Ministry’s budget to develop facilities to support the (F1) event. However, such a project would have to get cabinet approval,” said the minister. The last grand prix that took place on African soil was held in South Africa at Kyalami, Johannesburg, back in 1993.
LACK OF DIRECTION
Somewhat concerningly, there still appears to be little consensus on the best course of action for the South African GP bid. “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. However, there’s still a big fight at the moment. Is it Cape Town, or is it Joburg? That decision has not yet been taken,” concluded McKenzie. – with GMM
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE F1 BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA OR IS IT A WASTE OF MONEY?
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