WITH news making local and international on SA being afforded an opportunity to host the ‘Formula1 back on the SA soil’, Oracle Red Bull Racing proudly presents an exciting new short film that brings the energy of Formula 1.
It features F1 legend David Coulthard driving the renowned Oracle Red Bull Racing RB7, this film captures the epic sights and sounds of an F1 roaring around the historic Kyalami Circuit.
Joining Coulthard is South African Spinner and Red Bull athlete, Samkeliso “SamSam” Thubane, who adds local talent and flair to the mix, showcasing the passion and potential of South Africa’s motorsport scene on the global stage.
Set against the backdrop of Kyalami’s iconic track, the film provides a glimpse into what South Africa’s future in Formula 1 in 2027.
“Driving the RB7 here at Kyalami was unforgettable,” Coulthard shared explaining how much he loves coming back to South Africa. “With South Africa’s energy and Kyalami’s world-class track, it’s clear the country is ready to rejoin the F1 calendar.”
The roar of engines will surely delight South African F1 fans who have been begging for the high-octane sport to return to the country which now seems possible.
This comes after the iconic Kyalami has taken proactive steps by engaging the services of Apex Circuit Design (Apex) to prepare a roadmap for FIA Grade 1 accreditation, a requirement to host a modern Formula 1 event.
Apex is an award-winning motorsport engineering consultancy responsible for the design and delivery of some of the world’s best racetracks.
To meet the requirement for an FIA Grade 1 rating needed to host an F1 race, Apex recommended upgrades estimated to cost between $5 million to $10 million (about R88.7m to R177.4m).
Kyalami owner, Toby Venter told was quoted having said that they will now prepare a presentation of the planned upgrades, including possible funders and a time frame that will be tabled during a FIA meeting for approval in the new year.
The last time Formula 1 Grand Prix was hosted at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was in 1961.
Current F1 drivers, including seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton have called for the sport to return to South Africa.
Catch the film and join the conversation about South Africa’s future in Formula 1.
Watch here
Had a brief chat with SamSam…
How do you relax: “Most of my time is spent on family transport business and being with my family”.
“My 1-8months daughter enjoys outdoors, and driving around the majestic Hazyview, one of tourists hotspot in the country and “I love waterfalls- they relax my mind”.
My Dad is a disciplinarian in that most of the time, we talk how to expand business, what needs to be improved, and so on,” he says.
Currently unavailable in the market but not married, loves going to church to ask for guidance, protection as a God fearing someone…’
He met the minister of Sport and Culture, Gayton McKenzie for the first time during the Redbull Experience in Sandton, where they discussed matters such as the contentious Formula1 and spinning (he’s throwing his own resources into promoting it), etc…
There’s going to be national spinning competition in 2025 and plans are afoot to make it a success, says the (32) ‘SamSam’.
Asked, when was the last time he got an offence ticket- ‘believe it or not’ he alluded “none whatsoever. I do not have a single fine ticket, simply because that’s where I’m more careful, diligent on the road because of who I am. Its hard to believe, but it’s the truth”.
“The only offence tickets presented to us are from our employees, since operating transport business means you have to be on the road 24/7.”
Posed -how long is the partnership with global brand Redbull- he said its for three-years and as an athlete will have to attend some of the bigger engagements associated with the brand, says the man who only began driving/spinning at age 12.
On meeting legendary David, he quipped that he was ‘impressed with my work’, and said ‘I must teach him how to spin, and he will teach me how to become a faster driver’, accompanied by a huge laugh.
“He’s very eloquent when he talks, and entertains questions and being modest. Although we did not exchange numbers, he promised when ‘SA host the F1 in 2027’, we shall meet up”.
His community in Hazyview look up to SamSam, particularly kids who are madly in love with motoring sport. “I tell them, let’s start with school first, and the rest will follow. I will coach you on how to be better than me,” he said shyly.
As he drives along the serendipity his place is known for, Amapiano –Kabza Da Small- does the magic in his ears as volume blisters on the speakers.
Image (F1 legendary driver David Coulthard recorded alongside Hazyview born and Redbull spinner Samkeliso “SamSam” Thubane, at the filming of the iconic Kyalami Race Track).
