In a major development for motorsport in Africa, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially approved the upgrade plans for Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

• This will elevate South Africa’s legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to FIA Grade 1 status — the top-tier certification required to host Formula 1 events.
• This historic milestone positions Kyalami as the only circuit on the continent capable of welcoming Formula 1 back to African soil.
• With Kyalami now FIA-approved for Grade 1 upgrades, the South African F1 dream is no longer a hypothetical idea.
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At a press conference held at the iconic corner of R55 and Allandale Road, Kyalami’s Owner and Managing Director Toby Venter, alongside Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of the UK-based Apex Circuit Design, outlined the plans that have been in development for over five years. Apex, no stranger to Formula 1 design – having played a central role in the creation of the Miami GP street circuit – was tasked with bringing Kyalami’s next evolution to life.

This is a defining moment for South African motorsport. When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.

// Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Owner and Managing Director, Toby Venter

The 4.522km circuit, last upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification and functions as a thriving year-round destination, not only for motorsport but also for commercial events, conferences, exhibitions, and lifestyle activation’s.

Importantly, the proposed upgrades to achieve Grade 1 status do not alter the circuit layout that fans and drivers have come to love. Instead, the focus lies on critical safety enhancements: improved run-off areas, state-of-the-art debris fencing, enhanced kerbing, advanced drainage systems, and upgraded barrier technology.

This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements.

// Founder and Director of Apex Circuit Design, Clive Bowen

The FIA’s approval initiates a three-year window in which the necessary capital works must be completed. Construction will be strategically scheduled to avoid disruption to current commercial partners and existing bookings. Moreover, certain phases of the upgrades will only be implemented once South Africa secures a spot on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami is formally confirmed as the host venue.

It’s a prudent and calculated approach that balances ambition with commercial responsibility — something that’s been a hallmark of the circuit’s modern development under Toby Venter’s stewardship. His vision to transform Kyalami into a symbol of African motorsport excellence is now tantalisingly close to being realised.

Constructed in 1961, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, has long been regarded as the beating heart of Southern African motorsport. With its sunny highveld climate and picturesque surroundings, the track quickly became a preferred destination for European racing teams looking to escape the cold grip of winter and continue competition during the off-season.

By the mid-1970s, Kyalami had firmly cemented its place on the world stage, hosting 21 Formula 1 Grand Prix races and becoming a firm favourite among fans and drivers alike. The Kyalami 9-Hour endurance race garnered international acclaim in the world of sports car racing, while MotoGP graced the venue between 1983 and 1985. These events showcased not just the circuit but South Africa as a nation capable of delivering world-class motorsport spectacles.

Fast forward to 2024, and Kyalami stands ready for a triumphant return to the Formula 1 calendar. The FIA’s recent written approval of the proposed Grade 1 upgrades is a game-changing moment for the venue and for motorsport in Africa at large. With FIA Grade 1 status within reach, South Africa now holds the key to bringing Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in over three decades.

Formula 1 has, in recent years, made clear its intention to expand its global footprint – and Africa remains the final frontier. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has spoken publicly about the desire to host a Grand Prix on African soil, citing its importance both from a sporting and social development perspective.

Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.

// Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Owner and Managing Director, Toby Venter

Should Formula 1 return to Kyalami, it won’t just be a win for South Africa – it will be a win for the entire continent, opening up opportunities for tourism, investment, and the development of local motorsport talent.

Kyalami has always been more than just a racetrack. It’s a reminder that Africa has a rightful place on the world motorsport stage. Now, with FIA Grade 1 status firmly in sight, it is ready to roar again.

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