South Africa loses bid to host Formula One Race due to political alignment with Russia

South Africa's hopes of hosting a Formula One race in the foreseeable future have been dashed, allegedly due to its political alignment with Russia.

Recent efforts to bring back the Kyalami circuit to the F1 calendar after a 30-year absence gained traction, especially when seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his desire to race in South Africa.

Curiously, Africa remains the only continent without a race on the F1 schedule. Late last year, reports emerged that South Africa had lost the bid to host a race in 2023 following failed negotiations between F1 and promoter Warren Scheckter over financial matters.

Attention then turned to organizing a South African Grand Prix in 2024, with the Miami-based sports investment company, 777, taking charge of the event's promotion.

However, racingnews365 reveals that political reasons have led to the abandonment of plans for a South African GP in the near future. "According to sources, the decision was made due to South Africa's close alignment with Russia," stated racingnews365.

Formula One declined to comment on the rumours, but this decision is likely to spare Spa-Francorchamps and ensure the continuation of the Belgian Grand Prix on the calendar for at least another year.

South Africa, as part of the Brics association of emerging economies comprising Russia, Brazil, China, and India, has faced criticism for failing to denounce Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The country also faces a diplomatic dilemma as it prepares to host the Brics summit in August, with expectations that the government will grant diplomatic immunity to Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Kyalami declined to respond. The last F1 race hosted by South Africa at Kyalami took place in 1993 and was won by Alain Prost driving a Williams-Renault.