On December 13, 2024, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame confirmed the country’s official bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, aiming to make history by bringing the world’s premier motorsport event to Africa for the first time in over 30 years.
The announcement follows months of discussions between Rwandan officials and F1 leaders, including F1 President Stefano Domenicali, who met with Rwanda’s representatives in September.
This initiative has sparked excitement among top Formula 1 drivers and fans worldwide.
The possibility of a Formula 1 race in Africa has ignited the imagination of several top drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The British driver has long been an advocate for expanding the sport to Africa, a continent he believes is often overlooked by global motorsport.
After visiting several African countries this past summer, Hamilton described Rwanda as one of his “favorite places” and emphasized the significance of hosting an F1 race in Africa.
“We can’t keep adding races in other locations and ignore Africa,” Hamilton stated in August 2024. “Africa is a place the world takes from, but gives very little back. A Grand Prix there would highlight just how beautiful the continent is and could drive tourism and new opportunities.”
Other F1 stars have echoed Hamilton’s sentiments. Max Verstappen, who recently clinched his fourth consecutive World Championship, expressed his enthusiasm, “I would love to race in Africa. It would be great if we could race here,” the Red Bull driver remarked during the FIA’s end-of-season Gala in Kigali.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also shared his excitement, stating, “I think it’s the only continent we don’t have a race on the calendar. It would be fantastic to bring the sport to Africa.” McLaren’s Lando Norris added, “As drivers, we’re always excited to race in new places and reach new fans. Africa is a perfect place to do that, and Rwanda would be a fantastic host.”
Rwanda’s bid has garnered positive feedback from both FIA and Formula 1 officials.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commended Rwanda’s growing influence in motorsport during his recent visit.
“To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, particularly its growing impact on the motorsport world,” he stated. “We are aligned on our values, including sustainability and innovation, and I look forward to the continued partnership.”
Rwanda vs. South Africa
While Rwanda has emerged as the front-runner, South Africa has also been vying to bring Formula 1 back to the continent.
The iconic Kyalami circuit, near Johannesburg, last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 and has been working to rejoin the F1 calendar.
However, Rwanda’s bid appears to be the most promising due to its comprehensive approach and strong governmental backing.
Rwanda’s proposal aligns with the country’s broader strategy to establish itself as a key player in international sports.
Hosting a Grand Prix would provide a massive boost to Rwanda’s tourism industry and elevate its global profile.
The proposed race would take place at a new permanent circuit near the planned Bugesera International Airport, just few kilometers from the Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.
Designed by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, the circuit promises a fast and flowing layout with dramatic elevation changes, utilizing Rwanda’s natural hilly topography.
The venue, set alongside a picturesque lake, aims to deliver both a challenging racing experience and stunning visuals.
Wurz and his team have been collaborating with local authorities and companies for over a year to bring this vision to life.
The last time Formula 1 raced in Africa was in 1993 at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami. Despite several attempts to return to the continent in recent years, those efforts have yet to materialize.
Rwanda’s ambitious project now stands as the most likely candidate to bring Formula 1 back to Africa.
