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2018 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (13 September 2018) – Zone 1 – Paddock Club – Drivers’ Autograph Session Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton Singapore Grand Prix via Reuters Plus
Reuters
2018 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (13 September 2018) – Zone 1 – Paddock Club – Drivers’ Autograph Session Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton Singapore Grand Prix via Reuters Plus
Over recent times, F1 has been prepping up for the return of the South African Grand Prix. However, uncertainty prevailed over the actual return of the classic circuit, which last witnessed an F1 race back in 1993.
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The initial developments directed towards the circuit’s return for the 2022 season. However, that doesn’t seem too practical at the moment. Following the massive financial blow due to the pandemic, the much-awaited South Africa GP could make its way into the calendar only by 2023, according to Warren Scheckter, CEO of SAGP.
Furthermore, he also cherished Lewis Hamilton‘s support in bringing the circuit back into the racing calendar.
Potential return of South Africa GP into F1
Speaking to RaceFans, Warren opened up crucial pieces of information regarding F1 hosting a race weekend in Kyalami.
“The target date is still 2022 but that could shift due to the effects of the pandemic, so 2023 is maybe more likely,” he said.
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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action at the start of the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
The last time F1 cars screamed over the circuit was in 1993, with Alain Prost seeing the checkered flag in P1. Since then, the substantial rise in F1’s demands from a circuit led to South Africa bowing out. But this time, things are looking quite optimistic.
Warren claimed that the work is still going on in bringing the circuit up into the modern standards of Formula 1. And by the looks of it, their efforts could finally pay off by 2022, or at most by 2023.
Great that Lewis Hamilton is showing support: Warren
The seven-time world champion has been quite supportive in carrying the South African Grand Prix back into the F1 calendar. What followed was a heap of praise from the SAGP CEO himself.
“It’s great that Lewis, a person as high-profile and influential as himself, has indicated his support for an African Grand Prix,” he said.
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“It’s great that Lewis is showing his support for an African Grand Prix. An African Grand Prix is going to be a huge boost for bringing diversity to the sport at all levels.”
Overall amid support from Lewis and potentially other F1 drivers as well, will Formula 1 manage to squeeze the incredibly high-speed circuit into the 2022 racing calendar? Well, let’s see what the future holds.
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