Formula 1 is one step closer to returning to Africa, as the South African government has officially opened an expression of interest for potential host cities.

A document seen by The Race reveals that a department of Sports, Arts and Culture committee overseeing South Africa's bid is working to secure a 10-year F1 contract, potentially as early as 2026.

โ€œA suitable promoter and/or venue (circuit facility) and host city will be chosen to submit a bid to the FIA and Formula 1 for consideration with the necessary approvals and support from the DSAC,โ€ outlined the document.

โ€œ[The] surrounding environment must contribute to the look and feel of a premier international event and/or provide an iconic backdrop.โ€

The criteria also require the race to be held at an โ€˜iconic destination location' within 30 minutes of a major city.

The former home of the South African GP in Kyalami - located just outside Johannesburg - has emerged as the leading contender, though the expression of interest remains open to other potential venues.

Efforts to bring Formula 1 back to Kyalami, which last hosted a race in 1993, have repeatedly fallen short - until now.

This comes amid steady upheaval in the F1 calendar, driven by the sport's rapidly growing global popularity.

A rotational circuit plan has surfaced following the Belgian Grand Prix's recent contract extension, which schedules the race four times between 2026 and 2031, leaving two open years for an alternate venue.

While Africa remains the only continent absent from the current Formula 1 calendar, several other nations, reportedly including Thailand and South Korea, have also expressed interest in hosting a race.

The F1 bid committee has set a January 31 deadline for expressions of interest, with a shortlist of candidates expected to follow soon after.ย