Historic Deal Brings F1 Back to Africa
Rwanda has signed a 10-year contract with Formula 1 to stage the African Grand Prix, with the first race expected in the early 2030s. The event will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, located 25 miles south of the capital Kigali and adjacent to the city's new international airport. This will mark the first F1 race in Africa since 1993.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
The circuit has been designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz. According to a statement from F1, the project resulted from years of collaboration to ensure the right foundations, with the best partner, were in place to deliver a successful, sustainable and world-class grand prix for generations to come. The statement added that the track has been designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area's elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans.[S1]
F1 hopes the race will help expand its profile in Africa, a relatively unexplored market compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas. The sport has not yet determined where the race might best fit into the schedule during the year. It is likely to avoid the main rain season from March to May, though there is a shorter, less disruptive rain season from October to November. F1 remains committed to keeping the season at no more than 24 races.[S1]
Leaders Hail Landmark Agreement
Rwanda President Paul Kagame said that for more than three decades the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. He added that 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. He also said the circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to the country and the region for decades to come, because the aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for the people.[S1]
F1 president Stefano Domenicali described the new contract as a landmark moment for F1, which would mean the sport was racing on every inhabited continent. He added that Africa has always been part of Formula 1's future, and from the beginning they were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.[S1]
Sportswashing Concerns and Historical Context
The race is likely to face opposition from human rights groups accusing Rwanda of sportswashing, as has been the case with its sponsorship of Premier League football clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa. Rwanda's east-central African neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo, has filed a case against the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of breaching multiple international treaties covering genocide prevention, racial discrimination, women's rights and torture. A spokesperson for F1 said they have the opportunity to inspire and bring the passion of F1 to 100 million people across Africa and that sport can be a positive force for good.[S1]
The track's build process will be overseen by three companies, with long-time F1 track architect Tilke and DAR working alongside WurzDesign as the creator of the circuit. It is designed to be fast and flowing, with significant elevation change, using the natural contours of Rwanda's hilly landscape. The only grand prix in Africa previously has been in South Africa, which hosted a race during the apartheid era — from 1960-66 in East London, now known as KuGompo City, before the race moved to Kyalami near Johannesburg from 1976-85. Kyalami returned for two races in 1992 and 1993 as apartheid was coming to an end. The country has held talks with F1 in recent years about a return at various venues, including Kyalami and Cape Town, but a deal has not proved possible.[S1]
