Gayton McKenzie Faces Backlash After Rwanda Secures 10-Year F1 Africa Grand Prix Deal
- Rwanda has secured a decade-long Formula 1 agreement, reigniting debate about South Africa’s Grand Prix ambitions
- Gayton McKenzie’s 2024 promise is back in the spotlight, but his latest comments tell a more complicated story
- South African fans have weighed in, with reactions ranging from sharp criticism to reminders that the country’s F1 dream is not necessarily over
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South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing criticism on social media after Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement to bring the African Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s. The announcement on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, has prompted South Africans to revisit the minister’s promise to bring the sport back to the country.
In July 2024, McKenzie wrote on X that his term would be a failure if he did not secure Formula 1 for South Africa.
“I have set up meetings with relevant people already. My term will be a failure if I don't bring one of the biggest sporting tourist events to South Africa which is F1. Our first meeting is end of August in Monaco,” he wrote on 21 July 2024.
The statement has resurfaced following Formula 1’s announcement, with some users interpreting Rwanda’s breakthrough as a setback for South Africa’s campaign.
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However, McKenzie has also publicly congratulated Rwanda. On 7 October 2026, he wrote that Rwanda had worked on its bid longer than South Africa and deserved the opportunity.
He also argued that Africa should not be restricted to hosting only one Grand Prix.
South Africans react to Rwanda’s Formula 1 breakthrough
The news drew an immediate response from South African social media users, who pointed back to McKenzie’s 2024 statement.
@MuloiwaThendo posted McKenzie’s original pledge alongside Formula 1’s announcement, with the caption:
“Let us not forget.”
@_Neomm questioned whether the minister’s own words could now be used to judge his performance, writing:
“So we can conclude that his term is indeed a failure 👀??? He said it himself @GaytonMcK”
@sanizwe also criticised the outcome, saying:
“Gayton McKenzie and Porsche South Africa have failed us. Congratulations Rwanda.”
Meanwhile, @JosiahThobejane highlighted the minister’s earlier promise, posting:
“‘My term will be a failure if I don't bring F1 to South Africa’ ohhhh Gayton make me numb 😭😭😭”
@VyshakhPillai accused the minister of making promises without delivering, writing:
“Gayton McKenzie is just good at talking but when it's time to deliver you won't be able to find him. He's just like all the other politicians in SA. Rwanda even has Qatar supporting them.”
@Billy_PMS also expressed frustration, saying:
“So Rwanda got F1 before us…lmao that Gayton McKenzie can lie 🚮🚮”
Not all reactions were entirely dismissive of McKenzie’s efforts. @JesterOnDope suggested that South Africa could still host a race if the necessary circuit upgrades are completed, writing:
“Gayton tried though. We all saw that F1 wants specific upgrades to Kyalami which are soon to be underway! So F1 might eventually come just not next year.”
Another user, @LeboChomakae, questioned why South Africans had placed their faith in the minister, posting:
“The funny thing here is y'all trusted Gayton McKenzie to get you F1.😂😂💔”
The comments reflect a range of opinions about McKenzie’s promise, the government’s role in attracting major sporting events and the practical challenges involved in bringing Formula 1 to South Africa.
Why Rwanda secured the Formula 1 deal
Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host the F1 Africa Grand Prix in the early 2030s. The race will take place at a planned circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, designed to meet Formula 1’s Grade 1 requirements.
Rwanda has also used major sporting events, including the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, to boost its international profile and attract tourism and investment.
South Africa’s F1 ambitions are not over
South Africa is still pursuing a return to the Formula 1 calendar. Blue Mountain Racing has proposed a privately funded R6.7 billion circuit in the Western Cape, targeting a possible Grand Prix by 2031. However, the proposal is not a confirmed race.
Kyalami is another potential option, but it needs upgrades to meet Formula 1’s Grade 1 standards.
What this means for Gayton McKenzie
Rwanda’s agreement has put McKenzie’s 2024 promise under renewed scrutiny, but it does not mean South Africa has lost its chance permanently.
For now, Rwanda has a confirmed 10-year deal, while South Africa’s proposals remain in development. The challenge is turning the country’s ambitions into a formal agreement with Formula 1.
South Africa’s two F1 bids could change the Grand Prix race
Briefly News previously reported that a South African consortium was working to bring Formula 1 back to the country, with plans for a new circuit north of Cape Town. The proposal has added another dimension to the race to secure a Grand Prix.
With a separate bid centred on upgrading Kyalami, South Africa has two competing routes to a potential F1 return. But which proposal could give the country its best chance of hosting a race?
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Source: Briefly News
