Bring F1 to South Africa.

 

South Africa was on a straight path onto the 2024 formula 1 calendar. These plans were later derailed because of our political ties with Russia.

Meanwhile the United states of America have three races on the current calendar despite their close ties to the Apartheid state of Israel who have been committing genocide for almost 75 years and who more recently have been committing atrocities in Gaza since October the 7th 2023 and with the current death toll sitting at over 20 000. It is shocking that the FIA have not been as harsh on the USA as they were on us (For reference sake 80% of all weapons used by Israel since the dawn of its existence have been provided for by the USA.) The double standards are stark. 

This is not new to me and my people. Africa has always been overlooked and treated differently from the rest of the world and yet you probably wouldn't be able to make your F1 cars without our resources. South Africa accounts for just less than 50% of the worlds Chromite production which is used to make Chromium which is used in super-alloys to make parts of F1 cars. That's just one that I know of. Don't get me started on electronics.

I won’t waste anymore of your time on politics though. 

So here’s the many reasons why F1 should come to South Africa:

·         We’re In Africa !

The African continent is the only continent that is not represented on the current F1 calendar. This is a “World” Championship after all. The Kayalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa is currently the only African circuit with an FIA grade 2 rating.

 

·         We have F1 History.

Unlike several new circuits that have been added to the F1 calendar, the Kayalami Grand Prix Circuit has a rich F1 history. Having hosted F1 races from 1967 to 1985 and again in 1992 and 1993. Some of the most iconic drivers have driven here. Some of the more well known drivers being: Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell.

 

·         Our Track.

The Word Kayalami means “My Home” in Zulu and a more perfect name for the home of F1 in Africa does not exist. The circuit at present is an anti-clockwise track with pole position on the right, 15 corners as well as some sweeping fast sections which makes for a tricky yet fast track. Sitting at 1532 meters above sea level, our track is one of few high altitude tracks that is sure to keep teams on their toes. Situated in the southern hemisphere our country is sure to be a favourite for winter testing.

 

·         Diversity.

We aren’t called the Rainbow Nation for nothing. We have 12 official languages and host people from all cultures, religions and races. We truly are a crowd like no other who openly embraces our diversity. 

 

·         Tourism.

Any event that is on a world stage will bring in international fans. Nobody comes to our country for just a weekend and here’s why…

With the fear of sounding cliché I’d hate to say that we have it all, but we really do!

 

We have Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the World. 

 

Scattered across our vast country are nine natural Biomes.

 

Safari lover’s paradise. We have 42 game reserves scattered across our country, the most well-known being the Kruger National Park which is the size of Wales (Yes a park that is the size of another country). We have the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and African Buffalo) as well as the Marine Big Five (Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Cape Fur Seal and the African penguin).

 

Rich History- One Name, Nelson Mandela. Go back in time and learn about why the world knows his name. Visit the many Museums and land marks that shed light on our turbulent past and why our people are known for their resilience. For the archaeology fans we have The Cradle of Humankind where the 2.3 million year old fossil nicknamed Mrs. Ples was found along with many other Hominin fossils.

 

We have some of the best beaches for the surfers.

 

We have many Golf Courses including the world renowned Gary Player Golf Course at Sun City.

 

Hiking enthusiasts will love the Otter Trail and the Drakensburg Mountain range.

 

Adrenalin Junkies love the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee jump – The highest bungee jump in the world. 

Or perhaps you’d like to ride an Ostrich?

 

F1 has really grown in popularity in Africa and especially here in South Africa. We are a passionate people. Its time to put Africa on your map. Bring F1 to our country . You will not regret it !