The South African Grand Prix: A History
From East London's handicap races to Kyalami's World Championship era.
The South African Grand Prix was first run in 1934 as a handicap race at the Prince George Circuit in East London. Those early races attracted leading European drivers.
Joining the World Championship
The race became a round of the Formula One World Championship in 1962, held at East London. That year's finale decided the title: Graham Hill became champion after Jim Clark retired from the lead. East London hosted again in 1963 and 1965.
The Kyalami era
From 1967 the race moved to Kyalami, near Johannesburg. Its long straight and high altitude made it one of the fastest circuits of the period. South African fans celebrated in 1975 when Jody Scheckter won his home Grand Prix.
The circuit also saw tragedy. In 1977 driver Tom Pryce and young marshal Frederik Jansen van Vuuren were killed in an accident during the race.
Apartheid and absence
As international opposition to apartheid grew, the race became controversial. In 1985 some teams stayed away, and the Grand Prix then left the calendar.
Return and farewell
After political change began, Formula 1 returned to a redesigned Kyalami in 1992 and 1993. Nigel Mansell won in 1992 and Alain Prost in 1993. No World Championship Grand Prix has been held in Africa since.
