Formula 1 has confirmed its return to Africa for the first time in over 30 years, announcing a 10-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda beginning in the early 2030s.
The announcement, made on Tuesday 13th October, marks a significant development in Formula 1’s international expansion, bringing the championship back to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Officially named the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, the event will take place at a circuit in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
A NEW CIRCUIT FOR RWANDA
The planned circuit will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest classification required to host Formula 1 races. The venue will form part of a wider development project including sports, tourism, infrastructure, and commercial facilities for the country.
The circuit’s design will incorporate the region’s natural elevation changes, with the aim of building a challenging racing experience for drivers while maintaining viewing opportunities for spectators.
The project will be led by the Rwanda Development Board, with the Grand Prix expected to support tourism, investment, and employment opportunities in the country.
OVER THREE DECADES TO RETURN
Africa last hosted a Formula 1 race in 1993 at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa, where Alain Prost claimed victory. Since then, the continent has remained absent from the calendar despite ongoing discussions about a potential return.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been actively advocating for bringing Formula 1 back to Africa, repeatedly calling for the continent to be represented.
Hamilton has spent several years campaigning behind the scenes, holding discussions with Formula 1 officials and stakeholders about bringing a race back to the continent. Speaking ahead of the 2026 season, Hamilton revealed that he had been pushing for an African Grand Prix for six or seven years and expressed his determination to compete there before retiring.
His support has extended to Rwanda itself, having previously visited the country and described it as one of his favourite destinations in Africa. However, Hamilton has also advocated for South Africa as a potential host, having previously suggested that Formula 1 could return to the existing Kyalami circuit before establishing a longer-term project.
Rwanda’s successful agreement follows interest from several African countries, including South Africa and Morocco, both of which had explored opportunities to host a Grand Prix.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the agreement, highlighting the importance of expanding the championship’s global presence and establishing a long-term partnership with Rwanda.
The prospect of an African Grand Prix has also received support from other drivers, including Max Verstappen and George Russell. Russell highlighted Africa’s absence from the calendar despite Formula 1’s international reach.
CONTROVERSY SURROUNDS RWANDA’S SELECTION
Despite the significance of the return, the decision to award hosting rights to Rwanda has attracted criticism over the country’s human rights record and the government’s growing investment in international sporting events.
Rwanda has been led by President Paul Kagame since 2000, with his government facing longstanding accusations of political repression, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the suppression of opposition voices. Critics have questioned whether awarding the country a major international sporting event risks providing legitimacy to a government facing such allegations.
The agreement has also renewed accusations of sportswashing, the use of a major sporting event or partnership to improve a country’s international reputation while diverting attention from political or human rights concerns. Rwanda has increasingly invested in international sports partnerships, including the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League, as part of its strategy to promote tourism and attract investors.
The country’s involvement in regional instability has further added to the criticism. Human Rights Watch and United Nations investigators have documented Rwanda’s support for the M23 armed group in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, raising questions about awarding the country such a high-profile event amid ongoing tensions.
The project also raises financial concerns, particularly given the significant investment required to construct a new FIA-approved circuit and supporting infrastructure. While Rwanda has presented the project as an opportunity for economic growth and job creation, the scale of the investment raises questions about its costs and long-term benefits.
SOUTH AFRICA REMAINS INTERESTED
Unlike Rwanda, South Africa already has an established motorsport facility, although upgrades would be required to meet current Formula 1 standards. South African officials have continued to express interest in hosting a Grand Prix, despite Rwanda securing the agreement.
For Formula 1, the agreement represents a major step towards establishing a racing calendar with a presence on every inhabited continent, marking another milestone in the championship’s international expansion.
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Photo source: Formula 1