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The revving of Formula One engines could once again resound through South Africa if Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has his way. With an eye on the prize that slipped away amid geopolitical tensions last year, McKenzie has ambitious plans to rekindle South Africa’s relationship with one of motorsport's premier events.
The Kyalami racetrack in Johannesburg, once a staple on the F1 calendar, has been silent in terms of Formula One racing for many years. Last year, hopes were ignited that these powerful machines could make a triumphant return to the South African circuit, only for those aspirations to be dampened amidst concerns about the country’s diplomatic ties with Russia.
Despite the setback, 2023 sees a fresh push spearheaded by McKenzie. In a recent appearance on Sunday night’s show 'X', the minister, who has also been known for his support to make car spinning the number one sport in South Africa, re-emphasized his determination to bring F1 back. He sees the move as not only a personal measure of his term’s success but also an opportunity to boost sports tourism in the nation.
In preparation, McKenzie disclosed that he has already arranged meetings with relevant stakeholders, with the first of these crucial discussions slated for the end of August in Monaco. These gatherings suggest the growing seriousness of South Africa’s intention to once again become a backdrop for the drama and spectacle of Formula One.
McKenzie’s stance has been characterized by some as populist, but there’s no doubt that his assertive promises have captured public interest and increased his popularity. If successful, the reintroduction of Formula One to South African soil could be a considerable driver for economic activity, employment opportunities, and international exposure.
As a global sporting event, Formula One attracts not just the teams and their vast support staff but also throngs of spectators and media representatives from around the world. The ripple effect of hosting such an event could be robust, with benefits potentially extending to various sectors including hospitality, transport, logistics, and entertainment.
Moreover, the restoration of South Africa to the Formula One calendar could serve as a catalyst for the improvement of infrastructure and technology transfers, not to mention the adoption of global best practices in event management and sustainability within the motorsport arena.
Whether McKenzie’s high-octane dreams for South Africa's return to the F1 spotlight will become a reality remains to be seen. However, with talks impending, the race to bring the adrenaline-pumping action of Formula One back to the eager fans in the Rainbow Nation is well and truly on.