Could this proposed Cape Town circuit host F1 in South Africa?
Artist's impression of the proposed Blue Mountain Racing development
Could Formula One be heading back to South Africa in the future? Well, judging by today’s announcement, there’s more of a possibility than ever.
That’s because privately held South African company Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) has announced its intention to build a new FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A circuit outside Cape Town that would host its inaugural South African Grand Prix in 2031.
Despite a population of 1.4 billion people, Africa is currently the only continent without a race on the F1 calendar, with the sport last racing there at the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Williams driver Alain Prost was the winner that day at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, just north of Johannesburg, but in the following 33 years, F1 has yet to return.
This could all be able to change thanks to BMR’s plan, which is said to be at an advanced stage and is entirely privately funded by a group of prominent South African business leaders and international motorsport professionals. BMR has focused on Cape Town as the location for the circuit, as they see it as a global tourist destination in the same category as Miami, Singapore and Las Vegas.
The city has seen major international sporting events held there, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the Cape Town Cycle Tour annual race. In 2027, the city will also be one of the host venues for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The region also benefits from just a two hour time difference from Europe, where F1’s largest television market remains.
What would the circuit look like?
Based on the proposed plans, the circuit would be between 4.5 and 5.5 kilometres, and feature a 600-metre pit straight, a full-throttle kilometre straight, and natural elevation changes throughout.
Rather than being a tight street circuit usually found in cities, the track would be built on open ground on the outskirts of Cape Town. This would give designers the freedom to make the track as long, wide and with as many elevations and run-offs as necessary. It would also limit the disruption that takes place when a race is held in the middle of a city.
The circuit would also be designed to operate year-round, with conference facilities, an amphitheatre, a 50-hectare waterfront, a mixed-use commercial precinct, hotels and residential units all included. It could potentially become an automotive hub in the region, hosting research and technology facilities for manufacturers and teams, driving academies and karting pathways for young people in the local area.
Leading the proposal is Neal Froneman, founding chief executive of one of the world’s largest precious metals producers and Bobby Hartslief, who has over four decades of experience in international motorsport. Check out their proposed plans below…
What happens next?
BMR, having secured the site, is now engaged in discussions with F1 and MotoGP about viability, environmental factors and final designs, with a decision potentially being reached in 2028. Construction would then begin in 2029, ahead of test events in 2030, before its inaugural Grand Prix in 2031.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Blue Mountain Racing