Rwanda is officially a candidate to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix

Formula 1 could soon make its return to Africa, more than 30 years after the last Grand Prix held on the continent. It was for the South African Grand Prix in 1993. This Friday, during the FIA general assembly held in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame officially announced his country’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the coming years.

« I am happy to officially announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of motorsport back to Africa by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix », he said. « A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and his entire team for the great progress in our discussions so far. (…) Together, we will build something we can be proud of. »

“I’m happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix.”

President Kagame assured that the discussions towards hosting Formula 1 in Africa are progressing well. #RBANews pic.twitter.com/hYg8qxOGDj

— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) December 13, 2024

The return of a Grand Prix in Africa?

This is a new step in the broader strategy aimed at using sports to develop tourism and increase the country’s visibility on a global scale. This announcement is not surprising since discussions between Formula 1 and Rwandan authorities have been ongoing for several months, for the creation and organization of a Grand Prix in the country. Moreover, the prestigious FIA Awards will be held this Friday, December 13 in the city of Kigali, Rwanda.

They are serious. They presented a good plan, and we actually have a meeting scheduled with them at the end of September. It will be a permanent project, stated Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, last August.

Furthermore, this summer, Lewis Hamilton had confirmed that he was working behind the scenes to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, whether in Rwanda or South Africa.

« Being present in Rwanda for such an important moment on the FIA calendar speaks to the strength of the nation, particularly its growing influence in motorsport », emphasizes the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

« We are aligned on our values and common goals in key areas such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to continuing our partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is promising. »

For now, no information has been communicated regarding a possible date for inclusion in the calendar, nor about the location or circuit that could host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.