Africa to make F1 return with Rwanda Grand Prix
Formula 1 has confirmed an African Grand Prix will join the calendar at a purpose-built track in Rwanda, the first race on the continent in over 35 years.
The exact date of the first race is not yet finalized, with the Bugesera venue – just outside Kigali – yet to be constructed, but a 10-year contract to host the race has been announced during a live event in the Rwandan capital. F1 last raced in Africa in 1993, with the South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami, and the Rwanda race is slated to be first hosted in the early 2030s.
The new racetrack is set to be located near Kigali’s new international airport that is currently under construction, as Rwanda aims to position itself as a central travel hub in Africa. F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, were both present alongside Rwandan government for Tuesday morning’s announcement.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” Domenicali said. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.
“Africa has always been part of Formula 1's future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact. I would like to thank His Excellency Paul Kagame, president of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and everyone whose dedication and collaboration have made this possible.
“This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations.
“For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together."
Rwanda was the venue for the FIA Prize Giving gala at the end of the 2024 season as it looked to increase its motorsport involvement, and has beaten other interest parties - including multiple in South Africa - to a race-hosting agreement.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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