Blue Mountain Racing Cape Town Formula 1 bid

Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) has launched a bid to bring Formula 1 racing back to South Africa by 2031. The private consortium, led by former Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman, proposes constructing an FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A circuit in the Swartland region, approximately 60 kilometres north of Cape Town.

The project is intended to be entirely privately funded through corporate sponsorship. The development plans for the 600-hectare site include a permanent track between 4.5 km and 5.5 km that utilizes natural elevation changes, a R2 billion circuit capable of hosting 125,000 spectators, and a year-round precinct featuring a conference centre, hospitality, residential developments, an automotive engineering hub, and a driving academy.

Rothschild & Co has been appointed as an advisor to assist in securing commercial partners. The bid is currently undergoing an evaluation process with Formula One Management, which is expected to last 12 to 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.