The Belgian Grand Prix is set to remain on the Formula 1 calendar for at least another year after plans to hold the South African Grand Prix hit a snag, according to various reports.
South Africa’s “warm” relationship with Russia has reportedly deterred F1 from agreeing a deal to once more hold a race at the Kyalami Circuit.
F1 terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix last year over its invasion and subsequent war with Ukraine, saying it is “impossible” to hold a race in the country in the current climate.
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The FIA decreed that all racing drivers from Russia and Belarus, which is aiding Vladimir Putin’s war efforts, must race under a neutral flag. It also banned Russian sponsors and logos from appearing at any FIA-sanctioned event.
The Kyalami Circuit has played host to 20 championship F1 grands prix, the last of which was won by Alain Prost in 1983.
There were initial talks between organisers and F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, to add the country to the calendar this year, but the track was not yet ready to host an F1 race.
Its return would have been at the expense of the Belgian Grand Prix at the historic Spa Francorchamps Circuit.
Now, South Africa’s political standing with Russia seems to have put a grand prix on hold further, and there will be no race in the country until at least 2025.
It means that Spa will likely be given a further one-year extension, taking the infamous track to 57 championship races by next year.
Max Verstappen won last year’s race in Stavelot from 14th on the grid en route to his second consecutive world title.
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