In December 2024, Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture in South Africa, established the Formula One Bid Steering Committee to secure a Formula One Race in the country for either 2026 or 2027.
The committee comprises notable figures such as Anton Roux, Chairman of MotorSport South Africa; Vick Marat, CEO of MotorSport South Africa; Rendani Rova, CEO of SuperSport; Steven Water, a distinguished Event Coordinator, and Shanil Lee Kruger, among other experts in the field.
Under the leadership of Bakang Lethoko, the Minister’s Chief of Staff, the committee is focused on bringing Formula One to South Africa, with a target year of 2027, although 2026 remains a possibility as indicated by Minister McKenzie.
During a media briefing held at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, McKenzie emphasised that the committee would determine the race venue and highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the group, which includes female members.
In December, McKenzie stated that the committee had a two-month timeframe to select a racetrack and submit a bid for Cabinet approval, with an update on their decision anticipated by late February 2025. However, following the passage of February, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has issued a media statement “6 Days to Go to F1 Bid Submission Deadline.“
“The South African Formula 1 Bid process is moving swiftly towards a major and significant milestone as we enter the final week before interested parties submit their expression of interest bids to promote the South African F1 race,” the statement reads.
On 18 March 2025, stakeholders and organisations participating in the bidding process are anticipated to submit their final expressions of interest. These submissions will be evaluated for qualification into the subsequent phase, during which successful candidates will be required to present comprehensive proposals. This marks the second phase in the endeavor to secure a national bid for hosting a Formula 1 race in South Africa.
“As the Bid Steering Committee, we are enthused by the interest shown in the bidding process thus far and anticipate a positive and charged response once the expression of interest bids are submitted. Our commitment as a committee is to consider all qualifying submissions in a fair and transparent manner, and we are targeting to provide an outcome of this first phase by the end of April 2025,” said Ms. Bakang Lethoko, Chairperson of the SA F1 Bid Steering Committee.
The South African F1 Bid Steering Committee consists of distinguished South Africans whose expertise encompasses a diverse range of areas pertinent to the bid, such as law, corporate affairs, finance, media, motorsport, and public administration. These competencies are essential for ensuring that the bidding process is effectively coordinated, managed, and designed to showcase the finest South African talent and experience.
“Interested parties, currently preparing bids, are reminded that all bids must be sent via e-mail as outlined in the Request for Expression of Interest document by 23:59 on 18 March 2025. No late submissions received after this deadline will be considered, said Ms. Lethoko