Key Highlights:
- Formula 1 has officially agreed to a 10-year deal to stage the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in Rwanda starting in the early 2030s.
- The race marks the championship’s return to the African continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
- A purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit will be constructed in Bugesera, developed by WurzDesign and Tilke Engineers and Architects.
Formula 1 Seals Landmark 10-Year Agreement for Rwanda Grand Prix
Formula 1 is officially set to return to the African continent after finalizing a landmark 10-year deal to stage a Grand Prix in Rwanda beginning in the early 2030s. The long-term partnership culminates years of collaboration between motorsport executives and regional stakeholders to establish a sustainable, world-class racing destination. Formally titled the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, the event ends an extended absence from the continent that dates back to the 1993 South African Grand Prix held at the Kyalami circuit.
Reflecting on the milestone agreement, F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized the intentional strategy behind the decision. 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,
said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Purpose-Built Grade 1 Circuit Planned for Bugesera
The newly announced Grand Prix will take place in Bugesera, situated in Rwanda’s Eastern Province approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Organizers are preparing to construct an all-new racing venue designed strictly to FIA Grade 1 standards. Known globally as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda’s undulating topography will play an integral role in the track’s design, utilizing natural elevation shifts to generate a challenging track environment for drivers.
Final track layout design work is being led as a joint collaboration between WurzDesign, overseen by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz, and the renowned Tilke Engineers and Architects, who previously drafted celebrated racing venues including Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit. The facility is part of a broader infrastructure, tourism, sports, and commercial development project managed by the Rwanda Development Board. When not hosting Grand Prix action, the venue will serve as a multi-use destination throughout the year for international motorsport competitions, global conferences, and premier events.
Driver Reaction: Hamilton, Verstappen, and Russell Champion African Expansion
Prior to the confirmation of the agreement, prominent championship drivers voiced enthusiastic support for expanding the calendar to include Africa. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has long championed the continent’s inclusion on the Formula 1 schedule.
Hamilton said: 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 not that one, and there should be no reason for it.
He added: It’s something I’ve been pushing for in the background and Stefano’s been amazing – he’s flown to Africa so many times over the last couple of years, speaking to lots of different people.
Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen echoed that enthusiasm, saying: For sure, if that’s possible that would be great. We want to race in a lot of different places in the world, so I really hope it can be pushed through.
Verstappen continued: I’ve been to Rwanda once, of course. But let’s wait, let’s see if it all goes through. I think we are all very excited if that would happen.
Mercedes driver George Russell also welcomed the strategic move. Russell added: I was in Africa earlier this year and I really, really loved my time there.
He continued: Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Africa is the only [inhabited] continent we don’t race on and it’s about time we had a race there.
Why This Matters
The addition of the Formula 1 African Grand Prix closes a decades-long geographic gap in the World Championship’s footprint. With over 100 million Formula 1 fans established across Africa—and nearly 60% of followers in vital Sub-Saharan regions under the age of 35—the event targets a young, rapidly expanding demographic. Rwanda itself features a population of 14.6 million, where the 2022 census indicated females represent 51.5% (6.82 million), with young women aged 16 to 30 numbering 1.8 million compared to 1.6 million males.
The country has steadily fortified its portfolio of high-profile international showcases. Rwanda welcomed the motorsport world in 2024 when it hosted the annual FIA Awards Ceremony in Kigali, where Verstappen lifted his fourth title and McLaren claimed their first Teams’ Championship in over twenty years. Furthermore, the nation has hosted major global competitions such as the UCI Road World Championships in cycling, cricket’s ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, and the Basketball Africa League. Concrete milestones regarding construction progress, official calendar positioning, and race weekend schedules will be disclosed by Formula 1 in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the first Formula 1 race in Rwanda take place?
Formula 1 has signed a 10-year deal to begin racing in Rwanda in the early 2030s. Exact dates and calendar slots have not yet been announced and will be released in due course.
Where will the Rwandan Grand Prix circuit be built?
The purpose-built FIA Grade 1 venue will be located in Bugesera in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, roughly 40 kilometers south of Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.
When did Formula 1 last hold a race on the African continent?
Formula 1 last raced in Africa in 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was staged at the Kyalami circuit.
