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Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has confirmed that South Africa's bid to bring Formula 1 back to the country has been endorsed by government.
The process has been ongoing for several months, with Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit having earlier had upgrade plans approved by motorsport motherbody the FIA, in line with what is required to host F1 races.
At a briefing on Friday following this week's Cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni, among other things, confirmed that plans to formally bid for the SA Grand Prix's return has been given the green light.
"The Cabinet approved the request to bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Kyalami for a three-year period, commencing in 2027," said Ntshavheni.
"The bid is fully financially supported by reputable South African private sector and, if successful, will continue to create jobs and economic development as we prepare to host.
"The mere granting of an opportunity for South Africa to bid for the prestigious F1 Grand Prix is an affirmation of South Africa as an important world actor, and the confidence in the country."
The news is set to see the world's most popular motorsport return to African soil for the first time since 1993, when Kyalami hosted its final F1 Grand Prix.
Ferrari driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long since expressed the need to add an African race to the calendar, with this move by the SA government a major boost in making that a reality.
