Formula One (F1) has truly entered the modern era, but it is sleepwalking into a big problem that could come to haunt it writes Callum Davis.
Since Liberty Media took over the series, Formula One has reached places it never has before.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Las Vegas, and the new Madrid circuit are all new arrivals on the calendar in recent times.
It should only be a good thing then, that F1 is growing in viewership and location.
But there is a growing unrest between fans and F1 about the calendar and where it races.
Not in the countries it races in, although Africa is in desperate need of a race, but more about the type of circuits it races on.
There are now eight venues on the 24 round 2025 calendar, a number that will rise to nine in 2026.
And now there is a chance that that number will rise to 10 street races in the near future.
How South Africa fits in
Cape Town in South Africa has emerged as a viable contender as an F1 race in Africa. Except such a race would not be at the ready-made Kyalami, but built around the DHL Stadium.
The venue was built for the 2010 World Cup, and has hosted a round of the Formula E Championship in 2023.
The design of the track certainly isn’t offensive. There are technical sections and long straights along the 5.7km circuit.
Although for fans aware of the much-loathed Sochi Autodrom which held the Russian Grand Prix, races designed around ex-Olympic venues aren’t known for excitement.
This is where South Africa exposes a key problem with F1 in 2025.
Even where there is a ready-made option on its doorstep, F1 still entertains and pushes for street races.
It is disappointing that despite the funds being there to develop brand new circuits and redevelop old ones, F1 is trying to force a circuit in a venue it was never designed to be.
There is no doubt that street circuits make it easier for fans to attend.
They also showcase a city better, putting it on the map and giving countries their money’s worth.
But is that really the case?
Silverstone is proof that traditional venues, given the investment, can modernise and remain on the calendar.
The British Grand Prix sells out year after year, hosts great racing, and has an incredible fan experience.
Compare that to Canada. The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, whilst a great racing venue, is hit with complaints year after year about its poor fan experience.
Most fans would be much happier if money was put into renovating old circuits, rather than developing new street circuits.