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F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has reportedly flown over to South Africa directly from Baku to discuss with local stakeholders a possible South African Grand Prix in 2023. As reported by Sky Sports F1, the plans have been laid for the return of the Kyalami Grand Prix though any formal agreement is still weeks away.
Domenicali had also stated his desire to bring back F1 in the African continent on multiple occasions in recent months. “On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1 in March. There is a lot of interest there. For sure that’s another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar.”
He even stressed the point last week in an answer to a question about the new race in Las Vegas, when he said: “The one I really want to see is South Africa. That’s the one I want to hear announced next.”
“I think it’s important for the sport to go there. If they’re in every other continent, why not,” Hamilton
Seven-time F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton also expressed his desire to race in South Africa. Hamilton said, “We’re pretty much on every other continent, so why not? “Ultimately, my ancestors are from there so that’s why it is important for me personally. “I think it’s important for the sport to go there. If they’re in every other continent, why not?”
In October 2021, the Brit motor sporting legend had also put forward the thought of racing in the Kyalami Grand Prix. he was quoted saying, “The place that I really feel is dear to my heart and most important for me is to get a race back in South Africa. I think there is a great following out there and I think it would be great to be able to highlight just how beautiful the motherland is.”
“I agree with Lewis, on Africa in general, it would be great to have a race there,” Leclerc
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also agreed with Hamilton’s thoughts about the South African Grand Prix. “Formula 1 is getting bigger and bigger in the last years thanks to the Netflix series and here I can definitely feel it and see it and I love also this country, it is great to be here and I would be very happy to have a third race here,” he said. “I agree with Lewis, on Africa in general, it would be great to have a race there.”
