South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

A South African Grand Prix Bid has officially been launched and in this week’s edition of the Business of Motorsport I have all the details. I also have news of the recent changes to the FIA’s sporting code; the latest sponsorship deals as well as the potential commercial implications over the recent conflict between the FIA and Liberty Media.

Motorsport Industry News

FIA

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

Autosport reports that the FIA updated their Sporting Code this week and the update reveals new stewards’ penalty guidelines that could result in stricter Formula 1 sanctions as well as other restrictions on driver behavior including race bans and points deductions.

“The governing body defines misconduct as “the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate”, “assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.)”, and “incitement to do any of the above”.”

The Race wonders what is really behind these changes, especially considering that 2025 is an election year in the FIA. “Instead, what is at play are two ongoing themes: the first is the relationship between motor racing’s governing body and the drivers, and the second involves the way FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is ruling things.”

As for the fines, if you are wondering where they go, Planet F1 has you covered. “Racking up $278k worth of fines in the F1 2024 championship through over 50 offences, Nikolas Tombazis has explained the money the drivers have to pay goes to two notable causes: grassroots racing and road safety initiatives.”

Formula 1

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

South Africa has officially launched an official “request for Expression of Interest” for the return of the South African Grand Prix with a mooted date of 2027. “The Bid Steering Committee, appointed by Minister Gayton McKenzie in December 2024, was tasked with managing and guiding South Africa’s F1 bid process. This committee is composed of a diverse group of experts from key sectors working on a volunteer basis, united in their goal to position South Africa as a premier candidate to host this iconic global motorsport event.”

With Kyalami being the clear favourite for the race, Autosport Plus looks at the other possibilities for where the race can be held in South Africa. “If South Africa is to host a race in the near future, with a grand prix targeted for 2026 or 2027, then Kyalami is surely the smart bet. The tender process opened by the South African government states that the organiser must offer a venue at an “iconic destination location”; the proximity to Johannesburg should satisfy this requirement, although the further recommendation of convenient public transport links to meet F1’s sustainability guidelines would likely require further assessment.”

While South Africa and Rwanda are bidding for an F1 race, the chances of a German Grand Prix are not looking good as the Nürburgring circuit has indicated they have no intention of holding an F1 race any time in the near future. “Officials from the venue had dismissed the prospect of hosting a grand prix, declaring it a loss-making proposition that is unsustainable for a private company.”

Not only will there not ne a German Grand Prix in the foreseeable future, organizers of the Belgian Grand Prix have revealed that the event lost over $5 million in 2024. However, it’s been suggested the figure could be even worse once public subsidies are taken into account, with sources claiming to Speedcafe that could take the figure as high as €8 million.

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

With the huge impact that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is having after only his first day in red, organizers of the Miami Grand Prix are hoping to capitalize on the pairing as reported by RACER.

“At this point, we’re scratching the surface of it, but I think we all saw it from a commercial standpoint last year when it was announced,” Epp told RACER. “Lewis’s presence in the sport – and not just in the sport, even outside the sport, just as a personality and an ambassador for motor racing in general – he’s just so powerful and so significant, and his success on the track is so admired.”

Planet F1 points out that while so much of Formula 1’s recent focus has been on the United States, Franco Colapinto’s massive popularity is proof that it’s high time for the sport to expand its horizons to include all of the Americas, not merely the USA.

“And if you kept an eye on F1 this year, that was clear. While Logan Sargeant certainly inspired some national pride, his presence on the grid was nowhere near as celebrated as that of Franco Colapinto. Everywhere you looked — in Austin, Mexico, Brazil — there were Argentinian flags as far as the eye could see.”

General Motorsport Industry News

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

In Indycar news, Penske Entertainment has taken over the promotions of the NTT IndyCar Series season finale at Nashville Speedway. As RACER reports, Penske is starting to take control of more races.

“The unexpected change comes as Roger Penske’s firm amasses more control over IndyCar’s 17 events. Penske Entertainment is responsible for putting on the Long Beach Grand Prix, Indianapolis Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, Detroit Grand Prix, Iowa Speedway doubleheader, Milwaukee, Nashville, is centrally involved in the upcoming Arlington Grand Prix for 2026 and is active in the formation of a long-desired street race in Denver that’s tentatively scheduled for 2027.”

After settling their broadcast rights with Fox, IndyCar is now dealing with a headache in their streaming plans as it has been announced that their streaming partner Venu is no longer going to launch as planned as reported by RACER. “In speaking with a Penske Entertainment representative about the issue, RACER understands the series will focus on initiating its new relationship with FOX before evaluating its options and determining whether a deal can be struck with an independent streamer at a price point that’s less than tenfold of what it cost to use Peacock.”

NASCAR meanwhile is launching their own FAST (free-ad supported television) streaming platform in partnership with Tubi according to BlackBook Motorsport where fans can watch NASCAR content 24/7 without a subscription fee or registration.

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

SpeedCafe reports that the Western Australian Government has detailed plans for a $217.5 million entertainment precinct in Perth’s Burswood Park that will host the Supercars Championship.

“This new family-friendly entertainment precinct will be a game-changer for Perth – one that will solidify our city’s growing reputation as a major events capital,” Premier Roger Cook said.

Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup

Extreme H Pioneer 25

Extreme H has opened up development on their new Pioneer 25 race cars to entice manufacturer involvement and you will find the details in this week’s edition of the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have updates from Motorsport UK on their sustainability initiatives, the possibilities of Formula E racing in Toronto and much more!

Motorsport Law Roundup

A look at some of the legal and regulatory issues and analysis in Motorsport this week

FIA vs Liberty Media

LawInSport takes a deep dive into the battle between Liberty Media, the current commercial rights holder of Formula One (F1), and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), F1’s governing body, who have recently been engaged in a power struggle for control of the sport. This escalated to a point where Liberty Media reportedly threatened to establish a breakaway championship, while the FIA countered with threats to revoke F1’s commercial license. The article looks at the potential commercial implications for F1.

“However, despite outward signs of cooperation, the FIA president has publicly stated that “the day we wake up without the FIA will never come… A different reality could immediately arise in which Formula 1 is not [Liberty Media’s]”. This could be perceived as a thinly veiled threat to oust the commercial rights holder – but does the FIA even have the power to revoke Liberty Media’s commercial rights?”

Read the complete analysis here.

RACER reports that NASCAR’s motion to dismiss 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust lawsuit has been denied. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell made his ruling Friday. He heard oral arguments earlier this week on NASCAR’s request to dismiss the case and the request for 23XI and Front Row to post bond. The latter was also denied.

“What is the actual evidence and how does it inform a correct legal conclusion? These questions cannot be determined on motions to dismiss this action, where Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged one or more plausible antitrust claims against Defendants within the applicable period of limitations. Instead, the answers must be found when the parties have a full opportunity to pursue discovery of the relevant facts and then at trial, where the jury will be able to weigh the evidence and assess the credibility of the witnesses (unless the case is resolved sooner by the parties or the Court).”

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

While the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) does not have jurisdiction over international motorsport except for doping violations, the European Advocate General says that the CAS cannot be the final word on sports law in Europe. Here are two articles that look at the implications of the advisory.

Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis

Here are the latest motorsport sponsorship deals, partnerships and related analysis that were announced this week

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

The Business of Running a Race Team

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched

Team & Manufacturer News

Here is a roundup of the latest team news from around the world of motorsport

South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
South African Grand Prix Bid Officially Launched
Mark Boudreau
Author: Mark Boudreau

Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.

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