F1 is currently creating buzz around the world and is more popular now than ever. That even shows in how much the sport is expanding and including venues from countries that were traditionally not a part of the calendar. Keeping that in mind, Lewis Hamilton recently made a suggestion to include a forgotten circuit that once was among the crown jewels of F1. However, given the economic crisis the country is going through, even fans urged him not to push for it.
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After sadly missing out on the coveted 8th world championship title on that fateful night in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Hamilton took a long vacation in Africa. He spoke about how fascinating it was for him to connect with his roots and recalled how great the experience was.
Fans speak against Lewis Hamilton pushing for F1’s expansion in South Africa
Hamilton recently appeared for an interview with ESPN ahead of the Miami GP weekend. During the interview, he spoke about F1’s huge fandom in South Africa, the land of the legendary Kyalami circuit. He also talked about how popular he is among the masses there and urged F1 to once again include the circuit in its calendar.
The country is, however, going through a deep economic crisis currently with power shortage being one of the biggest concerns. Moreover, F1 has often come under fire for pricing the tickets in a way that is only feasible for a few to watch the race in person. Given the state of the economy there, many felt the Grand Prix will turn out to be a failed project.
Take a look at some reactions from Twitter.
Another fan listed the problems the country and its citizens are going through.
Being a SA citizen as well as a Brit, there is nothing I would like better than to go back to Kyalami and see F1 cars racing in anger. BUT, with over 30% unemployment, daily electricity shutdowns of 12 hours and the vast majority unable to afford tickets..its a dream I think
More fans spoke against the proposal, but some had a sense of humor about it.
Just don't have a night race here🇿🇦, unless you want the phrase "And it's lights out" to be literal😅
More fans spoke about the electricity shortage South Africa is going through lately.
South Africa can’t even keep the electric on 24hrs a day at the moment, but they’ll host a GP weekend?
Has Lewis been to SA recently? No power for up to 12 hours a day. Extra security will have to be provided for the teams. Not very safe to drive around at night and no walking in the street. Crime is out of hand.
We have very very different priorities right now, we've hosted World Cups etc. We need to get our house in order, we in a bad state on many levels. Streets cannot be spruced up for events only for us to be driving through sewer the following week. Not now thanks.
One fan spoke about how it is not just on F1 to resume the South African GP. Building the surrounding infrastructure will require the government’s intervention.
Unfortunatly the decision does not lie solely with f1.Track changes and investment from the govt will be required
One fan posted a video of a rugby match getting interrupted because of power cuts.
LOADSHEDDING.
Lewis Hamilton says he’s been pushing for a race in South Africa “in the background.” “Hopefully you’ll see that come to life soon as well. And that’s a real big dream for me, to have raced in Africa during my career is a huge huge dream for me.” “I know we have a big
Watch This Story: Will F1 Bring Back the South African GP at Kyalami to the Calendar?
We, as South Africans, have more important 'items' on our agenda than an F1 race here.
Do you think Hamilton’s dream of racing in Africa will become a reality? Should F1 look beyond South Africa to include the continent’s representation on the calendar?