FORMULA ONE chiefs are in advanced talks over hosting a South African GP – and it could be on the calendar as early as next year.
understands that discussions between F1 and the circuit chiefs at Kyalami are accelerating.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will divert to South Africa after this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP on his way to Canada for next week’s race in Montreal for further conversations.
South Africa last staged a Formula One race, at Kyalami, in 1993 and Domenicali has previously stated his desire for it to rejoin the calendar.
If it were to make the 2023 calendar it means the sport could be swollen to 24 races during the year – the maximum stipulated by the rules.
There are currently 22 races, however, the return of the Chinese and Qatar GPs – plus the Las Vegas race would see that increased to 25.
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However, should the South African promoters agree a deal in time, it could pose an end to the French GP’s place on the schedule.
Another race that could be at risk of losing its place is the Belgium GP at Spa, unless a new deal is agreed.
Mercedes star Sir Lewis Hamilton previously backed Formula One’s Kyalami plan.
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Hamilton recently said: “The place that I really feel is dear to my heart and most important to get a race back is in South Africa.
“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.”
