RWANDA has formally launched its bid to bring Formula One back to Africa for the first time in over three decades. The announcement, made by President Paul Kagame on Friday, coincided with an awards ceremony in Kigali, where Max Verstappen was crowned world champion for the fourth consecutive year.
Africa has not hosted an F1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, but Rwanda is determined to change that. In his address to the FIA General Assembly, Kagame expressed the country’s commitment to securing a Grand Prix, praising the ongoing discussions with Formula One’s leadership.
‘A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire F1 team for the positive steps we’ve taken together,’ Kagame said. ‘We approach this opportunity with seriousness, and we’re excited to build something we can all be proud of.’
A new track in the heart of Rwanda
Reports indicate that the proposed F1 circuit will be located near Bugesera, approximately 40km from Kigali, near a new international airport under construction. The track is set to be designed by a firm led by Austrian ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz, offering a modern, state-of-the-art venue for the race.
Rwanda’s bid has also garnered support from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The British driver emphasized that Africa deserves a Formula One race, citing its untapped potential for tourism and economic growth. ‘The time’s 100 percent right. Africa shouldn’t be ignored in motorsport,’ Hamilton stated. ‘A Grand Prix will highlight how incredible the continent is.’
FIA’s growing influence in Rwanda
This week’s FIA General Assembly, held in Kigali for the first time, underscored Rwanda’s increasing influence in global motorsport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the nation’s rising prominence, highlighting shared goals in sustainability, innovation, and road safety.
‘The future of motorsport in Africa is bright,’ Ben Sulayem said. ‘Rwanda’s role in advancing these sectors is clear, and we look forward to further collaboration.’
Verstappen’s involvement
Max Verstappen, who was awarded his championship trophy during the event, is also contributing to Rwanda’s motorsport scene. As part of a public service penalty following an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen is involved in the construction of a locally-built Affordable Cross Car in Rwanda, in partnership with the FIA.
Rwanda’s bold move to revive Formula One in Africa signals a new era for motorsport on the continent, with the prospect of attracting global attention and investment in the coming years.
