The Price of an African Grand Prix
Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time since 1993, and it will do so in a country of 14.6 million people with no circuit capable of staging a Grand Prix and a gross national income per head of about $1,040. On Tuesday in Kigali, President Paul Kagame, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced a 10-year agreement for a Formula 1 African…
The African continent, historically absent from Formula One's calendar, is now vying for a Grand Prix slot. Kigali, Rwanda's capital, successfully bid for the event in December 2024, securing a deal despite geopolitical tensions. Rwanda's proposal included building a state-of-the-art circuit and an international airport, with the country's Development Board footing the bill.
The fee for hosting such a race could cost up to 0.4% of Rwanda's $15 billion economy or 8.5% of its 2024 tourism earnings. Despite the financial commitment, Kigali's offer was compelling due to its long-term vision and existing marketing relationships. However, the bid has faced criticism, with concerns over Rwanda's army being sanctioned for involvement in a war in eastern Congo.
The Grand Prix deal also comes with a ten-year commitment, raising questions about how the circuit will be used beyond the race weekend. The four factors F1 considers when awarding a race – delivery, access, use, and legacy – will be key in determining the success of this new African Grand Prix.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
