South Africa Moves Closer to Hosting Formula One Grand Prix After Bid Committee Concludes Selection Process

South Africa has taken a significant step toward bringing Formula One racing back to the country, as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, commended the Formula One Bid Steering Committee (BSC) for completing the process of selecting a potential promoter for the nation’s first Formula One Grand Prix since the advent of democracy.

The BSC, a voluntary committee comprised of experts in motorsport and event management, was tasked with evaluating proposals from the private sector to identify a credible commercial partner capable of organising a Formula One race in South Africa.

The committee’s work was conducted without remuneration, underscoring the members’ dedication to the sport and the country.

The selection process unfolded in several key phases:

• Public Call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs): Launched in January 2025, this phase sought to attract competent entities both nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Proposals were assessed on critical metrics, including operational capability, event delivery expertise, commercial sustainability, stakeholder management, and motorsport credentials.
• Short-listing and Presentations: Short-listed candidates delivered oral presentations and responded to committee queries to demonstrate their readiness.
• Formal Request for Proposal (RFP) Stage: Finalists submitted detailed technical and commercial proposals, adhering to strict criteria and deadlines.
• Final Deliberations: The committee conducted a comprehensive assessment to ensure compliance with both bid expectations and South Africa’s strategic objectives in sport, tourism, infrastructure, and international reputation.

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A notable requirement was a fully refundable deposit of R10 million from each bidder, designed to ensure only serious contenders with the necessary financial backing advanced in the process.

Outcome and Next Steps

Following the EOI phase, three bids were received. After an extensive review, only one bidder was advanced to the RFP stage and ultimately presented to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).

The process was described by BSC chairperson Bakang Lethoko as “diligent, professional, independent, and fully accountable,” with a strong emphasis on integrity and national interest.

Before any public announcement of the selected promoter, several critical steps remain:

• Review by Formula One Management: The bid will be scrutinized, with feedback and recommendations provided to the South African government.
• Governmental Approvals: The proposal will be presented to other departments and partners for support, and ultimately to the Cabinet for final approval.

Only after these processes are complete will details of the successful bidder be made public.

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Minister Gayton McKenzie highlighted the continued negotiations and planning required, stating, “It must be emphasised that we are still in the negotiating and planning phase of returning Formula One to South Africa. On the face of it, the prospect of South Africa hosting such a race is very achievable, and we look forward to moving the discussion forward with the Formula One Group in the coming weeks.”

He also expressed gratitude to the BSC, which has now been dissolved at its own request, for its voluntary service and commitment to the national dream of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.

If successful, the bid would mark the return of Formula One to South Africa for the first time in the democratic era, promising significant benefits for sport, tourism, infrastructure development, and the country’s international profile. The motorsport community and fans await further developments as the proposal advances through the final stages of review and approval.