Formula 1: Rwanda to bring sport back to Africa

After nearly four decades of delays, Formula 1 racing is set to return to Africa. On Tuesday, the premier sport announced that Rwanda will soon host a Grand Prix, known as the African Grand Prix. A 10-year contract was signed between Formula 1 and Rwanda for this event. However, Rwanda currently has no suitable racing track. Therefore, the country plans to construct one in Bugesera, southeast of its capital, Kigali. F1 officials predict the track will be ready early in the next decade.

The first time F1 raced in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993. Since then, there have been numerous discussions about bringing the sport back to the continent, usually involving South Africa itself. But nothing substantial had transpired until now. Today marks a significant milestone for Formula 1. Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO, expressed his excitement, stating that with Rwanda joining the calendar from the following decade, the sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer to fans worldwide.

Rwanda's inclusion in the F1 calendar has been a long-held ambition, according to Domenicali. The organization was determined to return to Africa in the right manner, with a committed partner and a clear vision for making a meaningful impact. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and current Ferrari driver, has been a vocal advocate for a race in Africa for years. The 41-year-old, who hails from Black British roots, has been fighting behind the scenes to bring this dream to fruition.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda sees the event as a success and a milestone for his entire continent, particularly for African fans. He hopes the African Grand Prix will lead to more F1 events in Africa. Kagame, who has been Rwanda's president for 25 years, has a history of investing in sports. The country has had sponsorship deals with several top European football clubs, including Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.

However, Bayern Munich recently dropped its commercial element in the country's tourist arm, Visit Rwanda, due to fan and media backlash over the deal. Arsenal also did not renew its contract with Rwanda.

Critics have labeled Rwanda's approach to sports as "sportswashing," a term used to describe efforts to improve a nation's international image through sports. The country also has deals with top U.S. basketball and American Football teams and hosted cycling's Road World Championships last year. However, Formula 1, one of the world's richest sports, is likely to be viewed as the biggest sporting coup for Kagame and Rwanda to date.