Rwanda Beats Nigeria And South Africa To Secure 10-Year Deal To Host F1 Grand Prix In Early 2030s

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa in the 2030s after Rwanda secured a 10-year agreement to host a Grand Prix, ending a decades-long wait for the world’s premier motorsport championship to return to the continent.

The announcement was made by Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), marking a major milestone in Rwanda’s ambition to become a destination for major international sporting events.

The agreement puts the East African country in position to host the championship ahead of other African nations, including Nigeria and South Africa, which have also been associated with efforts to attract the sport.

The planned race will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said:

“Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event, and the FIA will work closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to the highest international standards.”

Rwanda’s bid has received strong backing from President Paul Kagame, who has repeatedly expressed the country’s interest in bringing Formula 1 to the region.

“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa,” said Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda.

Rwanda’s challenge now is to deliver F1 circuit and supporting facilities needed to bring the 10-year deal to life. The proposed circuit is expected to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest certification required for Formula 1 competition.

Africa has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 1993, when the championship last raced at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit. Since then, several efforts have been made to bring the sport back, with South Africa among the countries linked to potential hosting plans.

“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. 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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 Group.

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