South Africa's Formula 1 Dream: Gayton McKenzie Launches Bid Steering Committee with Vision for 2027

Minister of Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie or should I say the ‘Minister of Happiness’ formally introduced the Formula One (F1) Bid Steering Committee to the media on Wednesday, 18 December at the Kyalami Grand Prix in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Gayton McKenzie appoints the Bid Steering Committee

McKenzie revealed the Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee, consisting of figures from motorsport, broadcasting, and business, tasked with leading the official national bid. The committee includes: 

• Anton Roux, Chairperson of Motorsport South Africa
• Vick Marat, CEO of Motorsport South Africa
• Rendani Rova, CEO of SuperSport
• Steven Watson, a renowned motorsport expert
• Shane Waters, prominent events coordinator
• Shanil Lee Kruger and other specialists

The Committee chaired by Bakang Lethoko, the Minister’s Chief of Staff, aims to bring F1 to South Africa in 2027, or possibly in 2026 per Minister McKenzie. 

“This team will decide where the race will be held. Kyalamo is iconic, but other cities also have the potential to showcase our capabilities," he enthused. 

Gayton also indicated the importance of inclusivity, “we wanted women to be involved, we wanted people that love this country, patriots who are passionate about the sport.”

A significant aspect of the committee’s duties will involve selecting the city and racetrack to be proposed for consideration. Additionally, the committee will oversee the bid process and ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.

Gayton mentioned the committee has 2 months to pick a racetrack and submit a bid for Cabinet approval. An update on their choice is expected by late February. He trusts in South Africa’s readiness from previous successful events like the 2010 World Cup. 

 “We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race. South Africa is the greatest country," he told SportsBoom.com. 

Economic Benefits of hosting the F1 race

An event of this magnitude is posed to benefit the economy of South Africa, according to McKenzie. In response to the concerns regarding the financial viability of hosting Formula 1, McKenzie emphasised that the advantages surpass the associated costs.

“Hosting Formula 1 is not just an expense: it’s an investment. Tourism will boom, employment opportunities will be created, and sponsors will rush in to be part of the event, he said. 

Hamilton's dream to race in Africa, South Africa.

Lewis Hamilton, one of the most celebrated figures in the Formula One race, has openly expressed his aspirations to race in South Africa. 

“Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa, I’m standing here to tell you that you that we will not rest until your dream comes to a realisation that you will race in South Africa, says McKenzie. 

Rwanda's bid to host the Formula 1 presents an opportunity for Africa to unite, says McKenzie

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame declared last week that Rwanda has expressed its interest in entering the Formula 1 bidding process for a race. Although many believe that the only one opportunity is available, Mckenzie commented on the situation:

“We want Rwanda to get Formula 1, we want South Africa to get Formula 1, why when it comes to Africa it must be one?” asked McKenzie."

“Rwanda’s time is here; South Africa’s time is here.”

“It is not a zero-sum game; it doesn’t need to be South Africa. It doesn’t need to be Rwanda. One of the two, you just need to look at Formula One to know. We wish Rwanda well!"

McKenzie asked a critical question why when it comes to Africa, we should be treated like we only can get one while you have Europe that has seven, it can’t be, McKenzie said. 

McKenzie said that this should present an opportunity for Africa to unite, he even wants to work with Rwanda. 

Kyalami, the last to host F1 in Africa, and the readiness of the race-track

In 1993, Formula One last raced in Africa at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. 

Kyalami CEO Toby Venter says, “We are 90 percent there but the last ten percent will be done next year what has already been done is a detailed plan of what we have to do and how we have to do it Kyalami as you all know is a viable business entity in its own right without Formula One and it is very busy so our job is to fit in the construction and not disrupt our business activities, rest assured by the end of next year Kyalami will be F1 certified."