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Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen Finally See Eye to Eye As F1 Set to Grant Common Wish in 2023

Published 07/12/2022, 3:34 AM EDT

Formula 1 returns to South Africa! After months and months of speculation, the Kyalami track is back. While there were some issues initially, fans announced a desire to see the sport return to the circuit that hosted its last GP race in 1993. World champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also had the desire to see F1 return to Africa.

With Formula 1 going to almost every continent, Africa was one of the few ones left out. And with race requirements already present, it became easier for authorities to pick it just like Las Vegas. The Vegas race, which is also going to be a new-old addition next year, has created a lot of buzz amongst fan circles.

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When Max Verstappen was asked about a fresh addition to the calendar, he responded, “South Africa? I think it’s good to race…Well, I mean, when you look at the continents where you race. I think we definitely need to try and pursue a bit more into Africa.”

BREAKING: The South African GP at Kyalami is CONFIRMED for 2023. Formula 1 and DHL have signed a 5-YEAR contract.
Formula 1 will return to South Africa after nearly 30 years since the last Grand Prix.#F1 #Formula1 #SouthAfricanGP
— F1 Paddock Insider (@F1Insider_) July 11, 2022

“And at the moment, which looks like most likely place to go to is South Africa. Because they already have a track, and they’ve been there before.”

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F1 has indeed raced on the Kyalami track previously as well until 1993, after which they omitted South Africa from the calendar. However, the latest contract will keep the GP for at least 5 years, marking a sensational return to the country after nearly 30 years.

Lewis Hamilton always wanted a South African Grand Prix

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Amongst F1 drivers, Hamilton has probably spoken the most about wanting to race in South Africa. A stern supporter of the South African Grand Prix, he has previously revealed, “I think it’s important for the sport to go there. If they’re in every other continent, why not? The one I really, really want to see is South Africa.”

“That’s the one I want to hear next that gets announced. Ultimately, my ancestors are from there – so that’s why it’s important for me personally.”

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So, with this latest announcement; how excited are you to see F1 return to Africa? Where do you want to see it go next?

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Written by:

Khyati Yadav is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. She is a Hospitality Graduate and a huge fan of Lando Norris. She believes that F1 as a sport deserves a lot more attention and is intrigued by the process that goes behind the making of a car and the hard work that goes into the setting up of any Grand Prix.

Edited by:

Reubyn Coutinho

Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen Finally See Eye to Eye As F1 Set to Grant Common Wish in 2023

Lewis Hamilton always wanted a South African Grand Prix

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