Online Reporter
Colletta Dube
WILLIAMS Formula One driver Alex Albon has thrown his weight behind efforts to return Formula One racing to South Africa after completing a promotional visit aimed at boosting the country’s bid to host a Grand Prix once again.
According to South African media outlet, eNCA, Albon, accompanied by professional golfer and fiancée Lily Muni Lee and representatives from his Formula One team, Atlassian Williams Racing, visited the country as part of an official campaign advocating for the return of Formula One to the country.
The visit marked the first time in 33 years that an active Williams driver has visited South Africa, following Alain Prost’s victory for Williams at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Ahead of Albon’s arrival, the Williams FW48 Formula One car was showcased during a month-long roadshow in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, giving thousands of fans an opportunity to experience Formula One up close.
During the visit, Albon met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, describing the experience as everything he had hoped for.
“I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa. It’s a beautiful country. South African fans are some of the most passionate in motorsport,” said Albon.
President Ramaphosa also welcomed the Williams driver, reaffirming the country’s ambition to stage Formula One once again.
“Great meeting F1 driver Alex Albon and the Atlassian Williams F1 team earlier today. South Africa remains the preferred premier destination for world-class sporting events,” the President posted on X.
Minister McKenzie, who has made Formula One’s return a key objective during his tenure, reiterated his commitment to securing a race for the country.
“My term will be a failure if I don’t bring Formula One to South Africa,” he said.
Although his stay was brief, Albon said he was impressed by both the country and its people.
“Ten hours in South Africa, just enough time to see how beautiful this country and their people are. Thank you for the lovely welcome. I can’t wait to come back!” he wrote on social media before departing.
Albon’s visit comes amid growing momentum behind South Africa’s bid to host Formula One again, with seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton also recently expressing his desire to race at Kyalami before retiring from the sport.
South Africa last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit in 1993 and has since been seeking to return to the Formula One calendar as the sport looks to expand its presence on the African continent.
