South Africa has issued a public promise to seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton as it bids to return to the F1 schedule.

Hamilton has long advocated for F1 to return to the African continent, which last hosted a grand prix in 1993.

The 39-year-old recently stated he has been promised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that the sport will have a race in Africa before he decides to retire.

Rwanda is also launching its application to host a grand prix in the future, with South Africa welcoming the bid alongside its own.

“We have hosted the World Cup, South Africa is ready, and we will host the best Formula 1 race,” South Africa Minister of Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie told SportsBoom. “South Africa is the greatest country.

“We want Rwanda to get Formula 1, we want South Africa to get Formula 1, why when it comes to Africa it must be one? Rwanda’s time is here; South Africa’s time is here.”

He added: “It is not a zero-sum game; it doesn’t need to be South Africa. It doesn’t need to be Rwanda. One of the two, you just need to look at F1 to know. We wish Rwanda well!”

In a personal vow to soon-to-be Ferrari driver Hamilton, McKenzie added: “Lewis Hamilton, you said you had a dream to race in South Africa.

“I’m standing here to tell you that we will not rest until your dream comes to a realisation that you will race in South Africa.”

Kyalami ’10 per cent’ away from F1 certification

The aim is for South Africa to be on the F1 calendar in 2027.

To that end, McKenzie has formed the ‘Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee’, which includes Anton Roux, chairperson of Motorsport South Africa, and Vick Marat, CEO of Motorsport South Africa, who have been tasked to make South Africa’s bid a reality.

Toby Venter, CEO of the Kyalami circuit on the outskirts of Johannesburg, has confidently expressed his venue will be F1 ready by the end of 2025.

“We are 90 percent there but the last 10 percent will be done next year,” said Venter. “What has already been done is a detailed plan of what we have to do and how we have to do it.

“Kyalami, as you all know, is a viable business entity in its own right without Formula 1, and it is very busy, so our job is to fit in the construction and not disrupt our business activities.

“Rest assured by the end of next year, Kyalami will be F1 certified.”