Rwanda appears poised to become home to Formula 1's return to Africa after more than three decades away. According to reports first surfaced by motorsport publication RacingNews365 and subsequently picked up by international news agencies, the deal would bring the championship to the continent for the first time since 1993.
The announcement remains unofficial, with neither Formula 1, the FIA, nor the Rwandan government having made a formal statement to confirm the arrangement.
A track near Kigali
The venue would be a newly constructed permanent racing facility positioned near Bugesera International Airport in the outskirts of Kigali. The circuit's design is being handled by a company headed by Alexander Wurz, a former Formula 1 driver.
The inaugural event is unlikely to occur before 2030. The African continent last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix at Kyalami, situated near Johannesburg, in 1993.
President Paul Kagame initiated the bid in December 2024 as part of a broader initiative to elevate Rwanda's international standing through sporting events, a strategy that has previously included staging the road cycling world championships.
South Africa wants its own race
South Africa had submitted its own competing bid for the Grand Prix. The country's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, appeared to acknowledge the outcome through a social media post.
We are happy for Rwanda's 2030 F1. SA will get F1, even before 2030.
Gayton McKenzie
Human rights organisations have raised concerns that Rwanda is leveraging sports events to rehabilitate its international reputation while restricting freedom of expression, though the government contests these allegations.
In recent years, Formula 1 has undergone significant transformation driven by technology sector investment and has actively pursued opportunities to establish operations in previously untapped geographic markets.
Source: The Next Web
