Rwanda signs 10-year deal to bring F1 back to Africa in early 2030s
Theo Al Jazeera English
Rwanda has signed a 10-year contract to host a Formula One Grand Prix, bringing the series back to Africa for the first time since 1993. The race is expected in the early 2030s on a new circuit near Bugesera International Airport, about 40 km south of Kigali.
Kigali, Rwanda – Formula One will return to Africa after decades away, with Rwanda lined up to host a Grand Prix in the early 2030s.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced the news at a ceremony in Kigali on Tuesday, attended by Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Speaking at the event, Kagame said Rwanda had "worked very hard" toward hosting an African Grand Prix. He called it a "partnership" that should have been established long ago and "a milestone for the continent."
According to the announcement, the East African nation has signed a 10-year contract to bring Formula One back to the continent for the first time since 1993, with the first race expected in the early 2030s.
The Grand Prix will be held near Kigali, with the track design firm of former motorcycle racer Alex Wurz responsible for designing the new circuit.
The track will be built near Bugesera International Airport, 40 km (24.8 miles) south of Kigali. The layout runs more than 6 km with 17 corners and is designed to run counter-clockwise. It follows the natural terrain, with 197 metres of elevation change per lap. The facility will meet FIA Grade 1 standards and is also expected to host other motorsport races and major events.
Kagame stressed that Rwanda is "happy and excited to be part of a journey that will change how the world of sport sees Africa."
"The missing piece"
The sport's governing body president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, hailed Formula One's return to Africa as "a proud moment," saying it opens "a new chapter in Formula One history."
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali called Africa "the missing piece" on the championship's global map.
In December 2024, Rwanda's president announced the country's bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix during a speech at the FIA General Assembly in Kigali.
Lewis Hamilton, Formula One's most successful driver with seven world titles and 106 Grand Prix wins, has been a strong advocate for bringing the series back to Africa.
At the Singapore Grand Prix last week, asked about the prospect of an F1 race in Africa, Hamilton restated his view: "We need to have a Grand Prix in Africa."
"For me, it's the most important continent, and honestly, also the most beautiful," said the Ferrari driver. "We're on every other continent, and this is the only one missing, and there's no reason for that."
The British driver has campaigned for years for an F1 race in Africa and has publicly urged Domenicali to add one.
"This is something I've been pushing from behind, and Stefano has done a great job," Hamilton said last week. "He's flown to Africa many times over the past few years, talking to many different people, so I hope he has news for me soon."
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, also expressed excitement. "We want to race in different places around the world, so I really hope this can be pushed forward," he said. "I've been to Rwanda once. We'll have to wait and see whether everything gets implemented, but I think all of us would be very excited if it happens."
