“It was that close. The guy from Kyalami went from 500 000 to two million, and he wanted to take the whole thing over,” says 1979 F1 world champion Jody Scheckter,

Whether you were invested in Formula One or not, for a couple of months last year, its return was on the minds of almost everyone in the country. Unfortunately, despite the arduous effort by many players and especially Warren Scheckter who, according to Jody Scheckter, spearheaded the efforts to realise the return of the F1 Grand Prix on SA soil.

In an exclusive interview with TotalMotorsport.com, Scheckter claims that in the last leg of negotiations, one of the local organisers had tripled their fee which was the straw that seemingly broke the camel’s back. “F1 came over to sign. He had got government backing, some of the wealthiest people in South Africa behind it. Everything was in place, and the guy from Kyalami got greedy,” Jody adds.

Jody’s nephew, Warren had managed to get government’s backing but it subsequently withdrew after noticing that there was a dispute brewing. Warren had allegedly received some monetary contributions and backing from some of the wealthiest individuals in South Africa.

“My nephew had been working on it for six years, nearly full time, because going [through the] government and getting [their support] and for them all to agree to put some budget in and then to secure the money. It takes a massive amount [of effort].”

Scheckter remarked that Cape Town would be ‘a better place’ but continued by stating that ‘it’s all to do with money’. Prior to these detesting statements, circuit CEO and owner of the historic Grand Prix facility, Toby Venter, stated to CAR Magazine that the top flight of motorsport was still earmarked for 2024 meaning all hope is not lost!