{
  "id": 14311734,
  "title": "F1 returns to Africa with Rwanda signing 10-year deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/f1-returns-to-africa-with-rwanda-signing-10-year-deal-14311734",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T22:33:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-14/f1-to-host-african-grand-prix-in-rwanda/107263392"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Formula 1 is set to return to Africa with Rwanda signing a 10-year deal to host the first grand prix on the continent since 1993. The race will be named the African Grand Prix and will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40km south of Rwanda's capital city, Kigali. The first African Grand Prix could occur as early as 2030.\n\nThis marks a significant moment for Formula 1, as the sport will compete in all inhabited continents for the first time. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali stated at a press conference with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and International Automobile Federation (FIA) head Mohammed Ben Sulayem that the return of Formula 1 to Africa is part of the sport's commitment to creating meaningful impact.\n\nRwanda's bid for the grand prix was announced two years ago, and the new track is expected to be completed early in the next decade. Designed by Austrian former driver Alex Wurz and F1 architect Turney Tilke, the track is designed to be fast and flowing, with significant changes in elevation and placing spectators in close proximity to the action. The 100,000-capacity track will also serve as a multi-purpose facility for concerts and exhibitions, open year-round.\n\nRwanda will be the third African country to host a Formula 1 round since the series began in 1950, with Morocco organizing a race outside Casablanca in 1958. The initiative to bring Formula 1 back to Africa is expected to be powered by the private sector and coordinated by the government.",
  "summary": "Africa will return to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 1993 with Rwanda set to host a grand prix from the early 2030s in a 10-year deal.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "F1 returns to Africa with Rwanda signing 10-year deal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/f1-returns-to-africa-with-rwanda-signing-10-year-deal",
        "published": "2026-10-13T22:33:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}