McKenzie Raises Concerns As South Africa, Rwanda Plan to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix

• South Africa and Rwanda are said to be battling for the Formula 1 Grand Prix hosting rights, as both countries are fighting to bring the high-octane sport back to Africa
• The first Formula 1 Grand Prix race was hosted by South Africa in 1993 at the iconic Kyalami Circuit in Johannesburg, but the venue is not in good state to host the event
• South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie has suggested that Africa is being treated unfairly over the hosting rights of the number one high-octane sport's competition

South Africa and Rwanda are battling to host the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Africa's shores after more than 30 years since the sole event was hosted in South Africa.

The two African countries are said to be making bids to bring the event back to Africa and both believe they have the capacity to host successfully.

The iconic Kyalami Circuit last hosted an F1 Grand Prix in 1993, but the venue is not in the same shape and not up to the same standard to host the race again.

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McKenzie raises concerns over hosting rights

According to a report, the South African government are taking an interest in bringing back the F1 Grand Prix to Johannesburg, but they face stiff competition with Rwanda, who are also making plans towards hosting the event.

South Africa's sports, arts, and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, has suggested that Africa is being cheated out of the hosting rights for Formula 1.

McKenzie believes that getting just one slot for Africa is not fair to the continent, as Europe and some other continents have seven slots.

"It's not a zero-sum game," South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie

"Why is it that when it comes to Africa, we are treated like we can only get one?"

McKenzie also mentioned Italy having two slots and hated the narrative of choosing between South Africa and Rwanda.

"I hate this narrative of choosing between Rwanda and South Africa," McKenzie added.

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"There are seven races in Europe, and no one challenges it. Africa deserves more than one. We're advocating for collaboration to ensure both countries successfully bring F1 to the continent."

Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told Semafor Africa "both of us" could host a Grand Prix when asked how the nation hoped to fare against the other bid from the continent.

"Having Rwanda hosting Formula 1 will not stop South Africa from doing so," he said.

Of the 24 races set aside for the 2025 season, Africa is the only continent excluded from hosting any race.

McKenzie wants F1 Grand Prix on the streets of South Africa

Briefly News also reported that South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that his cabinet are working on bring the Formula 1 grand prix back to Johannesburg.

The minister reiterates the wishes of seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton of competing in the high-octane sport number 1 competition in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News