The South African Grand Prix has taken another step closer to returning to the Formula 1 calendar with the FIA approving plans for Kyalami to become a Grade 1 circuit.
Only circuits certified Grade 1 can host F1 world championship events and there’s been a big push to return South Africa to the F1 calendar for the first time since 1993.
Kyalami hosted F1 grands prix from 1967 to 1985 as well as 1992 and 1993.
Significant modifications have been made to the circuit since then, with a big renovation taking place in 2016 to make it Grade 2 status, and the latest plans to upgrade it to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 certification have now been approved.
That plan has been in the works for five years according to the UK-based Apex Circuit Design company behind it. Apex also designed the Miami F1 street circuit.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” said Kyalami circuit owner Toby Venter.
“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent.
“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.”
Those Grade 1 plans won’t include circuit layout modifications but will instead focus on upgrading run-off areas, barrier and debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.
“This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Apex Circuit Design founder Clive Bowen.
Kyalami will now have a three-year period to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades.
The release announcing the news said “selected works will be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the F1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue.”
Earlier this year, South Africa’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture F1 Bid Steering Committee opened up a request for expressions of interest for a race.
The committee wanted to find a venue that could potentially secure South Africa’s place on the F1 calendar for the next decade from 2026 or 2027.
It certainly won’t happen for 2026, given it’s not on the calendar released earlier this month, but Kyalami is the favourite if a South African GP is added - though it does face competition from two Cape Town bids.
