Sheldon van der Linde dreams of seeing F1 and WEC at Kyalami

As rumors surrounding a return of the Formula 1 on the African continent have gained momentum in recent months, with South Africa emerging as the most serious candidate to host a Grand Prix in the coming years. The legendary Kyalami circuit, located north of Johannesburg, could well become the scene of a global event once again, more than thirty years after the last F1 race was held there in 1993.

Sheldon van der Linde, South African driver competing in the World Endurance Championship in the Hypercar category with BMW and champion DTM 2022, is particularly enthusiastic about this idea. I would love for them to come back, he told us in Imola. It is also important for the country to have an international motorsport competition again. We had the Formula E in Cape Town two or three years ago, and it was a great success. There were a lot of spectators, and I think people really love motorsport in this country. I don't see why we couldn't do it. »

« Money and currency are a major obstacle, however, the 25-year-old pilot qualifies, originally from Johannesburg. The rand (South Africa's official currency) isn't very strong against the euro at the moment. This is the main reason why we've been unable to host events of this magnitude in recent years. The facilities we have at Kyalami are more than adequate to host an international event. ", assures van der Linde.

The driver also has a personal dream: to see the Hypercars of the WEC run on his native lands. Having a home race, especially in Hypercar, would be extraordinary, smiles the double winner of the 9 Hours of Kyalami (in 2020 and 2023)I've won twice in GT3 here. Sharing a victory of this level with my family would be unforgettable. The car-track combination would be epic, especially with the fast corners at Kyalami. It would be truly magnificent. »

As for the technical feasibility of such a project, van der Linde has no doubts about it.I think it's possible, He said. The infrastructure is ready. It's mainly a question of budget. My dream would be to win a race at Kyalami in a Hypercar. »

On the F1 side, negotiations between Liberty Media and the South African promoters had reached an advanced stage in 2023, before being suspended for financial and political reasons, but the possibility has returned to the pipeline in recent months.

The South African government launched a call for promoters to host a Grand Prix last January, and two venues have applied, according to local media outlet BusinessDay. Interested promoters had until March 18 to express their interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in South Africa in 2026-2027. Among the two applications is the Kyalami circuit, as well as a unique offer in Cape Town.

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