Political barriers have halted plans to return to Africa as part of F1’s ever-increasing world tour.
Attempts to revive the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami have been abandoned, F.I. has learned courtesy of RacingNews365.com.
A return to Kyalami for the first time since 1993 has been heavily mooted in recent years, with Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei prematurely declaring a race on the African continent for the current season.
A new promoter, by way of 777 – a sports investment company based in Miami which is best known for its business ventures in soccer – and led by Adam Brown, who also promotes the Kyalami 9 Hour race, had rekindled hope of adding South Africa to the calendar.
The events hopes were boosted by the backing of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and his push for F1 to return to Africa.
According to RacingNews365.com,however, a decision has been made to abandon plans for a South African GP in the near future due to political reasons.
According to sources, the decision was taken because South Africa has aligned closely with Russia.
F1 would not comment on the rumours, but the decision will likely provide Spa-Francorchamps a reprieve and see the Belgian Grand Prix remain on the calendar for at least another year.
