JACQUES VILLENEUVE BACKS SA Formula One legend Jacques Villeneuve is confident South Africa will host an F1 event in the near future. Picture: Alessio Morgese / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)
Image: Alessio Morgese / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
Motor racing legend Jacques Villeneuve has given South Africa his vote of confidence to host a Formula One (F1) event in the near future.
While the rumours rose once more earlier in 2024 that South Africa could host an F1 race in the next few years, there have been a number of high profile names in the sport who have given Africa, and South Africa in particular, the thumbs up.
Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for South Africa to host an event for the first time since 1993.
SA minister of sport Gayton McKenzie has been vocal in his push for the Rainbow Nation to host F1 again, with Kyalami being the most likely venue.
Villeneuve told Prime Casino: “F1 is global, more than it has ever been, and Africa is a continent that’s missing. It seems logical that there should be a push to go to Africa. I'm not sure where in Africa it could be. South Africa may be an option, but ultimately it is a continent that’s missing.
"F1 is also very political, where you go. F1 is expensive. You have to be careful with that but I have no idea where. Would it be on a new track or downtown somewhere, like Las Vegas, which seems to be a good trend, to have a good balance.”
The 1997 Formula One World Drivers Championship winner also singled out Kyalami as the obvious choice of venue, but hinted that the circuit would need some work to be ready to host a modern race.
"I think Kyalami would need some work being done to it. I tested there when we were at BAR and Williams, so a long time ago. I don’t remember any good breaking points,” said Villeneuve.
“It was fun to drive but I’m not sure how good it would be with modern cars. Cars have evolved a lot since then. The high speed corners, oftentimes now, have become non-corners. Just dangerous, without any driving.”
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