“South Africa is the most likely place for that to happen” – Son of former F1 world champion eager to bring back African Grand Prix.
Formula 1 has taken place on all continents, except Antarctica! But this century, one continent has been completely missing from the calendar – Africa. The continent last hosted a race back in 1993, at Kyalami in South Africa. This race was won by the legendary Alain Prost in the great-old Williams.
The start & opening lap of the 1979 South African GP at Kyalami.
First F1 pole for Renault, Jean-Pierre Jabouille & a turbocharged car.
The race would be stopped on lap 3 due to a downpour.
Gilles Villeneuve, in the new Ferrari 312T4, would go on to win the restarted race. pic.twitter.com/79DVM4H5jN— Classic F1 Images & Videos 🏁 (@F11950_2021) February 21, 2021
Now, SAGP, whose CEO is Warren Scheckter, the son of the 1979 World Champion Jody, is looking to bring the race back. He has received the backing of the likes of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton.
South Africa could host the African Grand Prix in 2023
According to Scheckter, “the most logical place” would be Kyalami, as it has held races between 1967 and 1985 and also in 1992 and 1993.
“The target date is still 2022 but that could shift due to the effects of the pandemic, so 2023 is maybe more likely.”
“It’s great that Lewis, a person as high-profile and influential as himself, has indicated his support for an African Grand Prix.
“Obviously South Africa is the most likely place for that to happen, being a country that has a huge history in Formula 1. It had its own Formula 1 racing series back in the seventies, had a Formula 1 World Champion itself and as a country has quite a big following.
“Most importantly it has a race track that’s really ready to go, that’s very close to being F1 standard. If there was to be an African Grand Prix, South Africa and Kyalami is the most logical place it would happen.
“It’s great that Lewis is showing his support for an African Grand Prix. An African Grand Prix would be a huge boost for bringing diversity to the sport at all levels.”
