The sole reason why South Africa missed out on hosting its first F1 GP since 1993

The sole reason why South Africa missed out on hosting its first F1 GP since 1993

The Kyalami circuit in South Africa

With the recent unveiling of the Formula 1 calendar for next year’s Championship season, a lot of the concerns that plaguing the minds of the fans were addressed by the FIA. While hugely popular circuits like Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps, which were rumored to be left out of the roster, made it to the final calendar, the F1 2023 calendar also made sure there is no clash between the Grands Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And there are no triple headers next season, much to the relief of the racers, mechanics and engineers.

But one thing that has got some of the fans quite dejected over the F1 2023 schedule is that the South African Grand Prix, which was expected to make a comeback to the F1 calendar for the first time since 1993, failed to make the final cut. As a result, fans protested and demanded to know why the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa was missing, and the answer came from the SA Government.

According to the reports by some local South African news outlets, their government failed on its part to ensure that an F1 Grand Prix would be held on their country soil next year. But there is still a chance for the race to be back on the calendar in 2024 as the FIA have got South Africa earmarked as a potential host for one of the F1 Grands Prix.

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Public and politicians alike demand answers for the absence of South African GP from the F1 Calendar

South African Grand Prix
South African Grand Prix

Right after the final F1 Calendar for next year was released, all th hopes of the South African F1 fans were shattered as they found that the Grand Prix which was supposed to be held at the Kyalami Circuit, has not made it into the F1 calendar. Even the politicians wanted answers as the F1 Grand Prix was supposed to revive the country’s economy and enrich its tourism sectors.

One of the members of the Democratic Alliance Party, Denis Joseph, demanded answers from the South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, regarding the F1 fiasco.

Mthethwa’s office said, “The Department has not conducted any research and/or work with any Departments nor the private sector to measure the interest and identify the economic impact, especially market branding for the Republic.”

Thus, F1’s return to South Africa could not be materialised largely due to oversight on the government’s part. Now, it only remains to be seen if they make an attempt to redo their work and earn the chance to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2024.

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