Rwanda to bring F1 back to Africa for first time since 1993

Formula One (F1) will return to Africa for the first time since 1993, with Rwanda set to host a grand prix from the early 2030s, the sport announced on Tuesday. Africa has long been part of Formula One's future, and with Rwanda joining the calendar, the world championship will be closer to fans around the globe for the first time in this century.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and International Automobile Federation (FIA) head Mohammed Ben Sulayem were present at a press conference in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, where they announced the 10-year deal with F1. This marks a landmark moment for the sport, as it will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the championship closer to fans worldwide.

Kagame, who has been praised for ending the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and rebuilding the country, expressed his excitement about the deal, stating that it is an investment in Rwanda's future. The new international airport and the purpose-built Grade One circuit near Bugesera, about 40 km south of Kigali, are expected to create jobs, skills, tourism, and new business opportunities for the country and region.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized that the agreement with Rwanda is about much more than just hosting a grand prix. The deal brings economic and social benefits and highlights the growing number of Formula One fans in the continent, with over 100 million fans in Africa, a number that continues to grow rapidly.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-times world champion racing for Ferrari, has repeatedly pushed for a race in Africa, stating that it is the most important and beautiful continent. South Africa has also been interested in hosting a race in Cape Town or Kyalami, with the South African sports minister noting that this could still be possible.

While some may view Rwanda's 10-year F1 deal as exclusive to a continent of 55 countries, South Africa's sports minister argued that Rwanda has worked on the project longer than South Africa and deserves the race. The agreement is poised to bring significant changes to Rwanda and the F1 calendar, representing a new step up for the sport.