Former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell has backed Lewis Hamilton in calling for the sport’s return to Africa.
Brit hero Blundell beat Michael Schumacher to finish on the podium the last time F1 raced on the ‘Mother Continent’ 31 years ago.
Kyalami was a regular fixture on F1’s calendar but hasn’t held a race since the 1990sGetty
He memorably beat out English compatriots Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert, and Martin Brundle at the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
The 58-year-old joined icons Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, who won seven world titles between them, on the podium at Kyalami.
F1 hasn’t returned to Africa since, despite boasting a record 24-race calendar across five continents on the 2024 calendar.
There are nine Grands Prix in Europe, eight in Asia, six in the Americas, and one in Australasia – but the world’s second-largest, oldest inhabited and second-most-populous continent remains conspicuous by its absence.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali came close to finalising a deal for the return of a race in South Africa in 2022.
However, doubts over the funding behind the project to bring the Kyalami circuit up to modern standards saw talks fall through.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com, on behalf of AceOdds, Blundell said: “I really would love to see the old Kyalami configuration back because it was an epic circuit.
“I’d also say that actually racing in South Africa was an incredible experience because there was a huge amount of passion and I think actually South Africa as a nation is quite passionate about motorsport.
“I think that it’s been a big loss not to have a Grand Prix in that area for all of these years. If there is any way that a Grand Prix can go back into the African region, I think it would be fantastic.
“It’s nice to have been on the podium for the last South African Grand Prix. If the invitation comes to go back again, then I’ll be the first on the plane.”
Hamilton wants to help get an F1 race on the continent
Despite Kyalami no longer appearing to be a viable option, F1 owners Liberty Media remain keen to find a race venue for Africa.
Last month, Formula 1 CEO Domenicali held a meeting with representatives of Rwanda following a ‘serious’ proposal to host a Grand Prix in Kigali.
The Rwandan capital will host the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony this December.
As part of the country’s bid, a new permanent racetrack would be built close to its international cricket stadium outside of its capital.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton threw his support behind the plans having visited various African countries during F1’s summer break.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said Hamilton at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Blundell agreed with his fellow Brit’s assessment, claiming that his comments ‘should be taken note of’ by F1 chiefs.
Hamilton shared pictures of his visit to Rwanda two years agoInstagram
The 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix was F1’s only visit to the country
“I think Africa as a whole should have a Grand Prix”, the the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans winner told talkSPORT. “I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t.
“There are many countries that make up that sort of continent as such that are very forward thinking and very much pushing on with their economies and they’ve got a lot to offer.
“Let’s face it also, there’s a huge amount of people out there, it’s a big population.
“I don’t see and I don’t expect that there won’t be a Grand Prix Day in the very near future.
“I think that’s got to be put in the calendar. It might be at the loss of somewhere else, but definitely, I think that’s on the card.
“Yeah, I get that Lewis is promoting that and I think it’s a very positive vibe. I think it should be taken note of.”
