Cape Town Grand Prix SA to Submit Formula One Street Race Bid

Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA) is preparing to submit its bid to South Africa’s Bid Steering Committee (BSC) for the return of Formula One (F1) to the country. This follows the announcement made by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on 18 December 2024, regarding South Africa’s potential to host an F1 race. CTGPSA has been the longest-standing and most resilient promoter vying to host an F1 street race in the Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct in Cape Town, which includes the DHL Stadium as part of a proposed 5.7km street circuit.

The initiative from Minister McKenzie has been welcomed by CTGPSA, particularly after his remarks in an interview with SABC News on 19 December, where he described the opportunity as “wide open” for a Cape Town promoter to host an F1 race in 2027. He stated, “Formula One allows you to have a street race, so that door cannot be shut for other people.” He further added, “… so if you have a bid from … Cape Town, you are welcome because there’s a possibility of a street race and it just needs to make sense.” CTGPSA has expressed confidence in its concept, emphasizing that its feasibility and value will be demonstrated during the process. However, concerns were raised about the possibility of other promoters appropriating its original street circuit concept, registered in 2005 and unveiled in the media in 2011, to formulate their own F1 bids.

CTGPSA’s proposed street race concept aims to combine the thrill of F1 with Cape Town’s iconic urban and natural landscapes, delivering a world-class event. The location, referred to as the “African Riviera” by the organization, is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic seaboard and features panoramic views of world-renowned tourism sites such as Robben Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Table Mountain (one of the New7Wonders of Nature), and the V&A Waterfront, which attracts up to 25 million visitors annually. The proximity of the track to these sites promises access to world-class shopping, restaurants, accommodations, and entertainment.

CTGPSA has built its public and private stakeholder engagements on a deep understanding of motorsport events and planning since 2005. This foundation has led to several key milestones, showcasing the organization’s unique intellectual property. These include valuable insights into securing high-level governmental support, engaging international stakeholders, and managing complex event logistics.

In 2017, the Western Cape Government’s Director of Sport Promotion, Mr. TD Tutu, issued a letter of support for the organization to host the Formula One Grand Prix™ Series on a street circuit in Cape Town. This was followed in 2018 by an endorsement from the Western Cape Government’s Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ms. Anroux Marais, for a Formula E Grand Prix™ to be hosted on the same circuit. Strategic engagement continued in 2019 with a key meeting involving the then Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, and discussions with the City of Cape Town’s major events department about necessary municipal infrastructure upgrades.

The organization has also collaborated with F1 Circuit Designers & Consultants, including the renowned expert Herman Tilke, and has garnered support from local and international partners. CTGPSA highlights its proprietary knowledge and intellectual capital as key assets that differentiate it from others in the industry. Since 2011, the organization has received extensive local and international media coverage, achieving a potential viewership of over 1.3 billion and nearly 300 positive articles.

In a letter dated 5 August 2024, addressed to CTGPSA CEO Igshaan Amlay, Minister McKenzie acknowledged the organization’s significant efforts. He wrote:
“Thank you for your letter dated 2 August 2024, outlining the significant efforts and milestones achieved by Cape Town Grand Prix SA in pursuit of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in Cape Town. I acknowledge your interest and the strategic importance of this initiative. Please be advised that I have personally taken over this matter, recognising its national significance. The department will conduct a thorough review and be in contact with you once further input is required. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this process. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to evaluate and support this initiative appropriately.”

Minister McKenzie’s recognition of CTGPSA’s efforts, alongside his announcement of a formal bidding process under the Bid Steering Committee, has been described as highly encouraging by the organization. CTGPSA CEO Igshaan Amlay commented, “Having seen 2024 culminate on such a positive and hopeful note after a 19-year stakeholder engagement journey, gives us a renewed resolve to take the next steps in this formal bidding process. With the continued support from our local and international supporters and F1 enthusiasts, we are ready to bring an F1 street race to our spectacularly located circuit in the Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct in Cape Town, South Africa.”