Blue Mountain Racing unveils Cape Town Formula 1 Grand Prix bid

A private consortium, Blue Mountain Racing, has unveiled plans to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in South Africa’s Western Cape by 2031. Led by former Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman, the group proposes constructing an FIA Grade 1 circuit on a 600-hectare site in the Swartland region, approximately 60 kilometres north of Cape Town.

The project is intended to be entirely privately funded, utilizing corporate sponsorship rather than taxpayer money. The proposed development includes a R2 billion circuit capable of hosting 125,000 spectators, alongside a year-round precinct featuring a conference centre, hospitality and residential developments, an automotive engineering hub, and a driving academy. To assist in securing commercial partners and structuring the multi-billion-rand initiative, the group has appointed investment bank Rothschild & Co as an advisor.

The bid enters an evaluation process with Formula One Management that is expected to last between 12 and 15 months. The initiative faces domestic competition from the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, which has already received FIA approval for Grade 1 track modifications. South Africa has not hosted a Grand Prix since 1993.