SA to hold ‘critical‘ meeting with Formula 1 in two weeks
The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has revealed that a significant meeting is set to take place in the next two weeks with representatives from Formula 1 (F1).
The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.
“Many laughed when I uttered the words ‘Formula 1 must come back to South Africa’. One man in particular, who didn’t laugh, was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack,” said McKenzie.
Also read: Kyalami circuit nears F1 host status as upgrade plans approved
“When I told him that government doesn’t have the money to host Formula 1 because of other more urgent priorities and we would not be able to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it [as] his patriotic duty to do just that.
“We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks.“
The minister was speaking in Parliament on July 5, presenting an R6.3b budget aimed at unlocking local talent in both sports and the arts and culture.
Also read: Blockbuster Extreme Festival thrills Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
“To those who say the country can’t afford to host the F1, I’m saying the country can’t afford not to… We hosted the best FIFA World Cup. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now.”
According to McKenzie, what will be different this time is that the government will not be expected to pay.
Meanwhile, he announced that companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and many others have expressed their support for this initiative.
“They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula 1 at the end of the month.”
However, he stressed that those who believe that F1 is not important should consider the countries that are holding onto their F1 spots on the calendar.
Also read: Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve backs SA’s bid to host Grand Prix
“They see the value in it, and it can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular.”
He also expressed gratitude to everyone who joined the mission to promote the sport of spinning, including Red Bull and Cell C.
“People were laughing when we said we’re going to make spinning big, but already this sport has left the townships, and now Sam Sam is wowing the likes of Max Verstappen with his skills in Austria.”
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