Rwanda president Kagame announces F1 race bid, 31 years after last race in Africa

President Paul Kagame has revealed Rwanda’s intention to host a Formula One race on Friday, just before an awards ceremony in the capital, Kigali, where Max Verstappen will receive his fourth consecutive champion’s trophy.

Formula One has not held a race in Africa since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg, in 1993.

Kagame said: “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix. A big thank you to [F1 president] Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far.

“I assure you we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”

In August, Domenicali confirmed that Rwanda aimed to host a Formula One race at a permanent circuit, Reuters reported.

If a deal is reached, the Formula One race would take place on a new track planned near the Bugesera airport, located outside Kigali. The track is set to be designed by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and current chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.

F1 had previously attempted to revive a grand prix in South Africa at the Kyalami track, which last hosted a race in 1993, but discussions fell through due to issues with the local promoter.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his support for an African Grand Prix, stating that the time was right for such an event. He revealed that he had been working behind the scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to help bring the race to fruition.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the significance of being in Rwanda for such a pivotal moment in the FIA’s calendar, praising the nation’s growing influence in motorsport. “To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport,” he remarked.