Formula 1 has decided to shut down the prospect of reviving the South African Grand Prix in 2024, following rumors that a race in the African country will be added to the calendar next year.
The decision is due to South Africa's alleged political alignment with Russia, according to RacingNews365.
F1 has previously canceled the Russian Grand Prix immediately following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
South Africa once held the Formula 1 race from 1962 to 1993, except for 1964, and a brief break from 1986 to 1991 due to the apartheid.
Formula 1 still wants to hold a Grand Prix in Africa using alternative race venues.
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Lewis Hamilton Wants To Race in Africa
During an interview at the Miami Grand Prix last month, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton expressed that racing in Africa is a big dream for him in his storied career.
Lewis Hamilton says it's his dream to race in South Africa before he retires 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/wcMutFjjKP
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) May 15, 2023
The seven-time world champion recognizes that he has a big following in the continent and is pushing as hard as he can in the background to make the race happen.
Hamilton is the first and, so far, only Black Formula 1 driver in the sport's history.
The Mercedes driver is also the most successful, holding the record for most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes, among others, and is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most world championships with seven.
The fast Kyalami, Grand Prix Circuit, hosted most of the South African race's editions, with 21, including the final one in 1993.
Canceling the proposed South African Grand Prix means the famous Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will remain in 2024.
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