adminLewis Hamilton’s hopes of South Africa being added to the calendar for 2023 have been dashed after talks between circuit owners and F1 reportedly collapsed.
F1 is determined to return to the country which last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at the Kyalami track. Talks have been taking place about staging a race at the same venue as early as next year, only for those discussions to reportedly hit the buffers – according to RacingNews365. A lack of support from the South African government and the cost of bringing the track up to F1 standards have been cited as issues. It is hoped a Grand Prix can take place in the country in 2024 instead.
Hamilton has often spoken about the importance of the sport returning to Africa and addressed the prospect of a race in the continent during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa.
“I’ve been pushing a lot in the background to get the Grand Prix there,” said the seven-time world champion, as quoted by RacingNews365.
“I’m happy with the talks that have been (happening), and Stefano (Domenicali, F1 CEO) has been doing an amazing job trying to get it to happen.
“I’m still hopeful that there might be a race next year, you can never say never. As long as we get to get it on the calendar, [I’m happy]. We need to have a Grand Prix there.”
At least one new Grand Prix will be added to the calendar in 2023 with a race on the streets of Las Vegas set to be held near the end of the season in November.
Qatar will return to schedule after missing out this year due to the World Cup while Belgium’s place on the calendar has been confirmed for another year, but the future of the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard is in serious doubt.
It has been confirmed Australia will again host the third race of the season, which is likely to kick off again in Bahrain. – DailyStar.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter