Rwanda to beat South Africa to continent's first F1 race in decades

Rwanda appears poised to become Africa's inaugural Formula One (F1) Grand Prix host in over three decades, ahead of South Africa, according to a statement from South Africa's arts, sports, and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie. McKenzie acknowledged Rwanda's potential 2030 F1 race, noting that the country had worked on the bid longer and deserved it. However, McKenzie also expressed hope that South Africa will still secure an F1 race before 2030.

F1, owned by US media conglomerate Liberty Global Media, aims to return to the continent after the last South African Grand Prix at Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg in 1993. The sport is eager to expand its geographical reach, targeting younger demographics, particularly in Africa. A successful bid could see Rwanda construct a new racing track near Bugesera airport outside the capital, Kigali, with costs expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rwanda's pursuit of the F1 bid began in December 2024, with President Paul Kagame emphasizing the seriousness and commitment the nation brings to the opportunity. The country has previously leveraged sports for international brand promotion, including high-profile shirt sponsorships with English Premier League football clubs.

While South Africa remains interested in hosting F1, the announcement could disappoint local stakeholders. These include plans for a multi-million dollar refurbishment of Kyalami circuit, which, if granted Grade 1 status, would meet FIA's criteria for an F1 race. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had planned to attend an F1 race to bolster his country's candidacy, hosting Williams driver Alex Albon in July.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion and British Ferrari driver, has been advocating for an African F1 race for the past six to seven years, emphasizing the continent's long-overdue representation in motorsports.