SUMMARY
- Lewis Hamilton has always wanted to race in South Africa
- After failed talks in 2023, FIA promises to organize an F1 race at Kyalami circuit
Despite clinching record-equaling seven world championship titles and amassing most of Michael Schumacher’s seemingly untouchable records, Lewis Hamilton still has plenty of dreams to fulfill in Formula 1. One such dream is competing in a Grand Prix on the African continent. Indeed, the British hero came close to embracing his long-yearned wish, with the Kyalami circuit seeking a return to the racing calendar in 2024.
Following multiple rounds of talks with the FIA, South Africa was all set to host its first Grand Prix in 30 years. However, after what seemed like a promising development between the two parties, everything mysteriously went haywire and the Formula One Group eventually decided to trash their plans of returning to South Africa.
Reports suggested that the rather abrupt decision had something to do with the political connection between Africa and Russia. Hence, the odds of witnessing the South African Grand Prix took a drastic tumble, inflicting a serious blow to Hamilton’s hopes. And now, a year later, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the FIA.
Clay Regazzoni taking us round the Kyalami track in South Africa driving his Ensign-Ford. 1980. #F1 pic.twitter.com/KgWjTa2MTq
— F1 Images (@F1_Images) February 4, 2023
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, recently acknowledged his desire to host a race in South Africa. But, of course, there’s a twist in the tale; nowhere did the Arabian mention that it was going to be an F1 race. Therefore, by the looks of it, Ben Sulayem could well opt for a feeder series or Formula E instead.
Ben Sulayem offers Lewis Hamilton partially good news
As reported by RacingNews365, Ben Sulayem opened up that the FIA is still maintaining a positive relationship with South Africa and a South African Grand Prix isn’t too far from happening in reality despite the political barriers. “We have very good contacts in Africa, more attention should be focused on Africa,” he said.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem admits that motorsport needs to put “more attention” on Africa as Formula 1 seeks to return for the future.
Africa remains the only feasible continent that does not stage a race on the current 24-race calendar, with both Lewis Hamilton and Max… pic.twitter.com/2dBJk15Llc
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 13, 2024
“We have a good vice president in Africa, we are strengthening the clubs there. In South Africa, they have a lot of history in motorsport. Since last year, there has been a lot of talk about Formula 1 coming back to Kyalami. That would be a big thing for Africa. We are also thinking about an electric championship that would like to have Africa involved. That would be good too.”
Overall, after the obstructions from F1, the FIA has shifted the focus to Formula E. Hence, will the motorsport world witness an E-Prix in South Africa? Is Hamilton’s big wish going to remain unfulfilled? Only the future will tell.