Formula 1 Secures 10-Year Deal for Rwanda African Grand Prix, Returning to Continent in Early 2030s

Formula One has officially announced a decade-long agreement to reintroduce the sport to Africa, with Rwanda slated to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s. This landmark deal marks Formula One's return to the continent for the first time since the South African Grand Prix was removed from the calendar in 1993.

The racing events will be held at a new circuit situated in Bugesera, which is anticipated to be operational by the beginning of the next decade. This new track will be located approximately 40 kilometers south of Rwanda's capital city, Kigali. The circuit is being developed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a comprehensive sports, tourism, infrastructure, and commercial development initiative spearheaded by the Rwanda Development Board.

Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula One, hailed the announcement as a significant milestone. "Today is a landmark moment for Formula One," he stated. "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. Africa has always been part of Formula One’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."

The news is expected to be met with enthusiasm by Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, a long-time proponent of Formula One's return to Africa. Hamilton reiterated his support for an African Grand Prix during a recent event in Singapore, emphasizing its importance. "I’ve always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, and the most beautiful continent," Hamilton commented.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame expressed pride in the nation's role. "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. Rwanda is proud to host the Formula One African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa," he said.

FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem also acknowledged the historical significance of the agreement. "The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport," he added.