Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
Rwanda signs 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 back to Africa
Formula 1 has signed a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix.
The race is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s, though no date has been set.
It would be Africa’s first Formula 1 race since 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami.
Rwanda plans to build a new circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near a new international airport.
The track must be completed and meet FIA Grade 1 standards before it can host a race.
The agreement gives Formula 1 a route back to a continent where the sport has been absent for more than three decades.
The race is still years away, and its arrival depends on construction and meeting the sport’s requirements.
Formula 1 has signed a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix.
The race is expected to debut in the early 2030s, once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera is completed.
The circuit will be about 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
The deal marks Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame said the agreement could bring wider benefits, while critics have described the country’s sports sponsorships as sportswashing.
- Who
- Formula 1 and Rwanda signed the agreement. President Paul Kagame announced it at a ceremony in Kigali.
- What
- Rwanda will host the African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement.
- When
- The first race is expected in the early 2030s, but its date has not been confirmed.
- Where
- A purpose-built circuit will be constructed in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
- Why
- Formula 1 said the agreement would bring the sport back to Africa and help it race on every inhabited continent.
Rwanda and Formula 1
Critics of Rwanda’s sports sponsorships
Purpose of the deal
Rwanda and Formula 1
Kagame said the partnership could bring jobs, skills, tourism and business opportunities. Formula 1 described it as a long-term commitment with a vision for meaningful impact.
Critics of Rwanda’s sports sponsorships
Critics have labeled Rwanda’s sports sponsorship policy sportswashing.
Rwanda publicly announced its bid during an FIA gathering in Kigali.
Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix.
The race is expected to debut after the Bugesera circuit is completed.
- Agreement
- 10 years
- Race
- African Grand Prix
- Circuit location
- Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali
- Expected debut
- Early 2030s
- Last African F1 race
- 1993 South African Grand Prix
What people are saying
Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent.
a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans,
Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,
I don’t want to leave the sport without having a grand prix there, without getting to race there.
Posts on X
Africa, we’re back. 🌍 From the early 2030s, the African Grand Prix will join the calendar and take place in Bugesera, Rwanda 🇷🇼 #F1
Sources
A 'landmark' moment - why has Rwanda been chosen to host F1?
Rwanda secures 10-year Formula 1 deal
F1 confirms return to Africa since 1993, Rwanda joins racing calendar on 10-year deal
Formula 1 to return to Africa with 10-year agreement to race in Rwanda
Formula 1: Rwanda to bring sport back to Africa
Landmark 10-year agreement reintroduces Africa to F1
Formula 1 to return to Africa as 10-year deal for Rwanda race signed
F1 confirms historic return to Africa
Formula 1 announces return to Africa with grand prix in Rwanda in early 2030s
F1 to return to Africa with new race in Rwanda
F1 signs historic 10-year Rwanda deal to host African Grand Prix
Rwanda to host F1's first race in Africa since 1993
La F1 volverá a África
Formula 1 announces return to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix in early 2030s
F1 to return to Africa; Rwanda race confirmed
Related news
Jack Harvey says cancer diagnosis has not changed his 2027 IndyCar plans
Hamilton takes responsibility for costly Singapore GP strategy call
Niels Koolen joins Abel Motorsports for 2027 Indy NXT season
McLaren tells Norris and Piastri to put team first after Singapore crash
Verstappen to race in GT World Challenge finale at Portimão
Jorge Martin avoids penalty after Indonesian GP start video sparks debate
IndyCar’s new IR-28 chassis undergoes durability testing at Sebring
13 Autosport keeps its driver lineup for 2027 IMSA season and plans Bathurst debut
Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix as Antonelli extends championship lead
Wolff rejects claims Mercedes is favouring Antonelli over Russell
Brake trouble explains why Antonelli avoided a Singapore GP penalty
