Formula 1 to return to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix in early 2030s

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

Formula 1 will race in Rwanda from the early 2030s, its first African Grand Prix in about 40 years.

Formula 1 has confirmed that Rwanda will host a Grand Prix from the early 2030s, returning to Africa after a gap of approximately 40 years. The purpose-built track will be located in Bugesera, south-east of Kigali, and will operate under a ten-year contract.

The last Formula 1 race in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993. F1 President and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said the announcement represented 'a landmark moment for Formula 1', adding that the sport would 'race in every inhabited continent' once Rwanda joined the calendar. 'Africa has always been part of Formula 1's future,' he said, 'and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.'

Rwandan President Paul Kagame described the development at a launch event in Kigali as 'a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans', and hoped it could lead to more F1 events across Africa. The announcement fulfils a long-held ambition for Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in Formula 1. The 41-year-old British driver has said he has been 'fighting in the background' for years to bring a race to Africa.

How it is being reported

• F1 to return Africa with grand prix in RwandaFormula 1 has confirmed Rwanda will host a race from "the early 2030s" when the series returns to Africa after a gap of some 40 years.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 11:22
• F1 to return Africa with grand prix in RwandaFormula 1 has confirmed Rwanda will host a race from "the early 2030s" when the series returns to Africa after a gap of some 40 years.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 11:22

In this story: Rwanda · Formula 1 · Lewis Hamilton · Paul Kagame · Kigali · Stefano Domenicali · South Africa

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