Lewis Hamilton may finally get F1 dream granted as statement issued after FIA talks

's dreams of taking part in a South African Grand Prix before his F1 retirement have been boosted after the country's government agreed a deal with Apex Circuit Design to renovate the Kyalami Circuit, bringing it back to the required grade certification.

Despite calling itself a World Championship, F1 currently does not race in Africa and hasn't since the South African GP was last held in 1993. During this time the Kyalami Circuit has rarely been used and no longer meets the FIA's grade one track specifications.

However, with Hamilton pushing hard for F1 to return to Africa and Gayton McKenzie, the country's minister of sport, arts and culture, also committed to bringing motorsport's biggest series back to his nation, plans are moving in the right direction.

With Apex Circuit Design appointed to oversee the transition, F1 fans can be positive about Kyalami's chances of a return to the calendar. The company already helped design the Miami International Autodrome - home of the Miami Grand Prix, which debuted in 2022.

The circuit has now released a statement, explaining: "With its rich history of Formula One events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events.

"Sharing the ethos of creating an engaging spectator and participant experience, Kyalami and Apex are working together to prepare Kyalami for FIA Grade One accreditation.

"Whilst negotiations with various role players, including Formula One owners, Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South Africans can rest assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula One."

This will be music to the ears of Hamilton, who has been chasing a return to South Africa for years. The seven-time world champion isn't the only one with a desire to see F1 return to the country though.

Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, former team principal said: "I think F1 should go to Africa. It's a World Championship, we haven't been, or F1 hasn't been in Africa for a long time.

"I think that would be cool. All the other countries... I mean going [to South] Korea, it's a very strong economy there. I think they have been a big fanbase now there so it would be nice to the fans if F1 goes there."

He went on to add: "I think that would be a good idea, and to go to new places because in the end, there are a lot of fans who are invited, some actually are not covered. I think the coolest one would be to go back to Africa."