F1 signs historic 10-year Rwanda deal to host African Grand Prix

The government of Rwanda and Formula 1 have inked a groundbreaking 10-year agreement to bring an African Grand Prix to Kigali, the capital city. F1 plans to race in a yet-to-be-built circuit located 40km south of Kigali, adjacent to the Bugesera international airport, which is currently under construction. The inaugural edition of the race, officially known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix presented by Visit Rwanda, may take place as early as 2030, contingent on the completion of track construction.

The deal was unveiled at a press conference in Kigali, where Rwandan President Paul Kagame, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem were present. The Bugesera track, designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and his design firm, will leverage Kigali's hilly landscape to create a challenging race layout.

President Kagame emphasized the historic significance of the agreement, stating, "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." He expressed Rwanda's pride in hosting the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and highlighted the potential for the event to create jobs, skills, tourism, and new business opportunities for the country and the region.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remarked, "Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. 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." He stressed that this partnership extends beyond a single race weekend, aiming for a lasting positive impact on Rwanda and Africa.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added, "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 affirmed the FIA's commitment to working closely with Formula 1 and other partners to ensure the new circuit meets international standards.

The return of Formula 1 to Africa comes after years of advocacy, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton particularly vocal about the necessity of an F1 race in Africa. He noted, "I've been fighting in the background for six years to get a grand prix," and praised Kigali for being one of the most spectacular cities he's visited.