By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status.
The original Kyalami Circuit was the home of the South African Grand Prix, hosting 21 F1 Grand Prix races.
The last F1 Grand Prix in South Africa was hosted in 1993, just a year before South Africa transitioned to democracy.
The current 4.522km layout was upgraded in 2016 and holds an FIA Grade 2 certification, with the surrounding precinct turning into a self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity.
The circuit has now received confirmation that the FIA has accepted proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status.
This is the highest international standard for a race track and is required to host an F1 race.
“The FIA’s written acceptance of the amended design marks a significant achievement,” said the circuit.
“Once the capital works are completed and a final inspection conducted, Kyalami will become Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent.”
Circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, said the circuit upgrade took five years of planning, which culminated in the FIA’s approval.
Apex is an internationally recognised circuit design house that steered the design of the new Miami street circuit.
“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,” said Venter.
“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a significant step forward in that journey.”
The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade will require no change to the circuit’s layout, and will focus on improving run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.
This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.
The FIA plan approval gives Kyalami three years to complete the intended upgrades.
The F1 calendar for 2026 has already been released without South Africa on it. This means the earliest local motorsport fans can bank on an F1 return is in 2027.