The promoters of the South African Grand Prix and the owners of the circuit in Kyalami were unable to reach an agreement, negotiations broke down, meaning there is no chance of Formula 1 returning to South Africa in 2023.
This is reported by RacingNews365, adding that Formula 1 is already reviewing its plans and moving the race to 2024. It is also reported that Warren Schecter, head of the South African Grand Prix Ltd (by the way the nephew of Jody Schecter, world champion in 1979) has already been informed about this.
This means that the Belgian Grand Prix will remain on the calendar next year, although the long-term prospects for the classic race are not yet clear, it will most likely be interspersed with a stage at another European circuit.
The concept calendar for 2023 is expected to be published on Saturday, but is to be finalized at the next meeting of the FIA World Motorsport Council in October. The provisional version of the calendar has 24 races, including the Chinese Grand Prix.
The fate of the South African stage was predetermined by the refusal of the South African government, more specifically the State Department of Tourism, to guarantee financial support to the promoters of the Grand Prix. In addition, the circuit in Kyalami needs to be modernized and in order to meet modern FIA requirements and receive a Grade 1 license, it is necessary to spend $15 million, and not only is there no money, but also no time in front of.
The last two South African Grands Prix have been won by Williams drivers: Nigel Mansell in 1992 and Alain Prost in 1993.
Source: F1 News
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