Formula 1 has secured a 10-year agreement to stage the African Grand Prix in Rwanda starting in the early 2030s. The milestone deal brings the world championship back to the continent for the first time since 1993, expanding the calendar to every inhabited continent.
Formula 1 will return to Africa under a landmark 10-year contract announced this week.
Alexander Wurz Designs Layout Near Bugesera International Airport
The facility sits adjacent to Bugesera International Airport. A firm run by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz is designing the layout.
Having successfully hosted major sporting events and global gatherings like the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, and the 2024 FIA Awards Ceremony and General Assemblies, Rwanda has positioned itself as a premier African venue for international competitions. Built to foster local talent, support tourism, draw investment, and generate new avenues for local communities and enterprises, the initiative marks the next phase in the nation’s goal of becoming a globally acknowledged center for business, innovation, tourism, and sport.
Rwanda Beats South Africa in Competitive Bid Race
Rwanda’s successful bid followed an official launch by President Paul Kagame in December 2024. The country emerged as a leading candidate in a competitive race against South Africa, which also pursued the rights with Kyalami and Cape Town cited as potential venues, though financial challenges have complicated negotiations for a long-term agreement. South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie took to social media to acknowledge Rwanda’s advancement, pointing out that because Rwanda’s bid has been in motion longer than South Africa’s, they have earned the opportunity, while assuring that South Africa will still host an F1 grand prix prior to 2030.
Top Formula 1 drivers have voiced support for a potential race in Rwanda as the country competes to bring the sport back to the continent. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton renewed his long-standing appeal for a Grand Prix on the African continent, labeling Africa the most vital and stunning continent while highlighting the absence of a race there, and noted that he has collaborated quietly behind the scenes with Stefano Domenicali, who has traveled to Africa on multiple occasions. Max Verstappen, who collected his 2024 drivers’ title in Rwanda, expressed enthusiasm for an African race, calling the prospect great and urging that it be pursued. George Russell, representing Mercedes, also welcomed rumors regarding an African Grand Prix, invoking his recent travels to the region to emphasize that Africa stands alone as the sole territory lacking a race and ought to be integrated into the schedule.
Reactions From Leadership Across Formula 1 and Rwanda
Executives and heads of state emphasized the broader socioeconomic goals tied to the decade-long partnership, with the sport aiming to avoid the main rain season of March to May while noting a shorter, less disruptive rain season from October to November, alongside a strict limit of no more than 24 races per season.
“For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.”
President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
Kagame remarked that the track positioned next to the new international airport will generate regional and national employment, skills training, tourism, and fresh commercial prospects for decades to come, since the ultimate vision was never limited to a single weekend of racing, but rather a permanent advantage for the citizens, sharing the milestone with upwards of 100 million fans throughout Africa, particularly younger generations who deserve the chance to witness the championship locally and envision themselves participating as drivers, technicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Stefano Domenicali highlighted that the new contract represents a landmark moment for F1, which means the sport is racing on every inhabited continent.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,”
Stefano Domenicali, president of F1
Stating that Africa has perpetually remained a component of Formula 1’s destiny, Domenicali noted that organizers were committed from day one to orchestrating a comeback through proper methods, ideal partnerships, extended dedication, and a distinct plan to deliver meaningful benefits, thereby bringing the drama, energy, and excitement of Formula 1 closer to millions who have waited extensively for the championship’s return to the continent. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem joined in expressing appreciation for the collaboration alongside His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.