Plans to bring a F1 Grand Prix to South Africa have been in the works for about 30 years, and now a campaign is brewing to bring it to Soweto in 2024.
There have been widespread reports of a Grand Prix coming to Kyalami next year, but these attempts have failed.
Touted as a possible Nelson Mandela Grand Prix, an announcement regarding a 2024 Soweto Grand Prix of South Africa is imminent, according to GrandPrix247.
A source close to a conglomerate of influential South African businessmen committed to bringing F1 back has suggested that the race will happen at the Nasrec showgrounds adjacent to the FNB Stadium.
A leaked map reveals a planned street circuit in and around the showgrounds, where most of the track traverses the facility’s service roads, often used as a tarmac rally stage over the years. See image below.
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, the bid company reportedly intends to empower the people of Soweto to take ownership of their own Grand Prix. The plan is for visitors to stay in Soweto and the south of Johannesburg, and enjoy the African vibe of Vilakazi Street.
Local employment is also high on the agenda. Plans include empowering 20 000 young and unemployed Sowetans through incubative opportunities around their own Grand Prix.
