News Summary

Formula 1 has officially confirmed its return to Africa, announcing a ten-year agreement to stage the African Grand Prix in Rwanda from the early 2030s, with a new permanent circuit to be constructed near the country’s capital, Kigali.

The historic announcement was made on Tuesday, October 13, in Kigali, with Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwandan president Paul Kagame participating in the confirmation of the agreement.

The race will be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, and will mark the championship’s first event on the continent since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.

The deal follows years of discussions about restoring Africa to the Formula 1 calendar, with Rwanda emerging ahead of competing proposals from South Africa and other countries.

As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported on October 6, Rwanda had already emerged as the leading candidate to host Formula 1 from 2030, although the championship had not confirmed an agreement at that stage.

Tuesday’s announcement formally establishes the long-term partnership, but the precise year of the inaugural race remains subject to the completion of the new circuit.

Where will the Rwanda F1 Grand Prix take place?

The African Grand Prix will be held at a new purpose-built permanent circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali.

The venue will be located near the new Bugesera International Airport, part of a major infrastructure development project intended to improve Rwanda’s international connections.

The circuit will be developed to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 safety and technical requirements, necessary for hosting Formula 1.

Former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz is involved in the design project through WurzDesign, which is working on the proposed layout.

Unlike South Africa’s efforts to revive the existing Kyalami circuit, Rwanda’s project requires the construction of an entirely new racing facility.

The organisers have not yet announced the final circuit layout, length, number of corners or detailed construction timetable.

When will Formula 1 race in Rwanda?

Formula 1 expects the first African Grand Prix in Rwanda to take place in the early 2030s, once construction and certification of the Bugesera circuit have been completed.

Although previous reports identified 2030 as the target season, the official announcement does not establish a definitive inaugural year.

The championship said that additional information about the race date, circuit construction milestones and event plans will be announced later.

The ten-year agreement will cover the initial period of the African Grand Prix, although the precise seasons included will depend on when the inaugural race takes place.

Rwanda is therefore not yet part of the confirmed 2027 Formula 1 calendar.

Domenicali welcomes Formula 1’s return to Africa

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as an important moment in the championship’s international expansion.

“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact,” Domenicali said.

The Formula 1 chief emphasised the importance of establishing a sustainable project rather than simply adding another race to the calendar.

The championship estimates that Africa has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, making the continent an important potential market for its future growth.

The agreement also means Formula 1 is planning to compete on every inhabited continent once the Rwanda Grand Prix begins.

Rwanda president Paul Kagame celebrates agreement

Rwandan president Paul Kagame welcomed the announcement, describing it as a historic achievement for the country and the wider African continent.

“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent,” Kagame said.

“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa.”

The Rwandan government has promoted the project as part of a wider strategy to attract international sporting events, tourism and investment.

Kigali previously hosted the FIA’s annual General Assemblies and Prize Giving Ceremony in December 2024, when Kagame publicly confirmed Rwanda’s intention to pursue a Formula 1 race.

The country has also expanded its international sporting profile through partnerships and the organisation of major events.

FIA confirms support for new African Grand Prix

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the agreement and highlighted its potential impact on motorsport development.

“This is an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport,” Ben Sulayem said.

“Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event.”

The FIA president also pointed to the opportunity to develop motorsport participation, technical expertise and new pathways for young competitors across Africa.

The construction of the circuit will require the necessary FIA inspections and homologation before the venue can host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton’s campaign for an African F1 race

The confirmation follows years of public support from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has repeatedly called for Formula 1 to return to Africa.

Hamilton has argued that the continent should be represented on the championship calendar and has encouraged Formula 1 management to pursue an agreement.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver reiterated his support for an African race, describing the continent as particularly important to him.

He also praised Domenicali’s efforts to negotiate with potential host countries.

The announcement will therefore fulfil one of Hamilton’s longstanding ambitions for Formula 1, although it remains uncertain whether he will still be competing when the inaugural Rwanda Grand Prix takes place.

Why Formula 1 has not raced in Africa since 1993

Formula 1 last competed in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, won by Alain Prost for Williams.

South Africa previously hosted several Formula 1 races, including events during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, before the championship’s final visit in 1993.

Morocco also hosted a world championship Grand Prix in 1958, at the Ain-Diab circuit in Casablanca.

Rwanda will therefore become the third African country to host a Formula 1 World Championship race, following Morocco and South Africa.

South African authorities have continued working on plans to bring Formula 1 back to Kyalami, but Rwanda’s confirmed agreement gives the country a major advantage in securing the championship’s return to the continent.

The new African Grand Prix is expected to join the calendar during the early 2030s, with Formula 1 and the organisers set to announce further details about the Bugesera circuit and the inaugural race date as the project progresses.