Formula 1 Confirms Rwanda African Grand Prix Return in 2030s

Formula 1 will return to Africa with a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix in the early 2030s. The race will be held at a new Bugesera circuit near Kigali after construction of a FIA Grade 1 venue is completed.

According to Formula 1, the purpose-built track will be located about 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital and beside the new Kigali International Airport. The championship said the circuit will also host other international motorsport events outside the Formula 1 calendar.

The last Formula 1 race in Africa was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg. Rwanda’s agreement restores the continent’s presence on the championship calendar after more than three decades.

President Paul Kagame said the agreement represents a major moment for Rwanda and Africa, with the country expecting long-term economic benefits from the project.

"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." said Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.

Kagame said Rwanda plans to use the partnership to develop skills, tourism and business opportunities beyond the race weekend.

"Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves in it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, one day, drivers." said Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as a significant step for the championship’s global expansion. Rwanda’s addition will give Formula 1 races on every inhabited continent.

"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, Formula 1 CEO.

Domenicali said Formula 1 had worked toward an African return with a long-term approach and a focus on creating impact through the partnership.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had previously called for Formula 1 to return to Africa and praised efforts to make the event possible.

"I’ve always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. It is, for me, the most important continent and the most beautiful continent. We’re on all the other continents but that one and there should be no reason for it." said Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver.

Hamilton also highlighted Domenicali’s efforts to explore opportunities for bringing Formula 1 back to the continent. The championship currently operates with a maximum of 24 races per season.