Formula 1 to Return to Africa as Rwanda Secures Landmark Grand Prix Deal

Posted : 14 October 2026

Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali has described the agreement to bring a Grand Prix back to Africa as a landmark moment for the sport. Rwanda has secured a 10-year deal to host a race from the early 2030s, potentially ending Africa's absence from the Formula 1 calendar since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.

The agreement follows years of efforts by Formula 1's owners, Liberty Media, to establish a race on the continent. Since acquiring the sport in 2017, the company has explored opportunities in several African countries, but competing proposals and financial challenges have delayed progress. Rwanda has now emerged as the leading candidate by presenting a unified plan supported by substantial investment and government backing.

South Africa and Morocco had also been considered potential hosts, but neither secured the necessary arrangements to move forward. South Africa's plans have involved several competing proposals in different locations, while Morocco struggled to establish the financial foundation required for a Formula 1 event. Rwanda's coordinated approach has helped distinguish its bid from previous efforts.

The proposed circuit will be located in Bugesera, approximately 25 miles south of Rwanda's capital, Kigali. The development forms part of a wider project that includes a new international airport, hotels, residential facilities, entertainment venues, sports science infrastructure and an innovation hub. Although the site is currently undeveloped, the project is intended to create a major destination for international visitors and investment.

Domenicali expressed pride in the agreement during its announcement in Kigali, alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. He praised Rwanda's ambition, resilience and efforts to establish itself as a destination for international business, describing the country as an example of how long-term vision can support economic development.

Lewis Hamilton's Campaign for an African Grand Prix

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been among the strongest advocates for bringing Formula 1 back to Africa. The Ferrari driver has repeatedly urged the sport's leadership to prioritise the continent, arguing that it deserves a place on a championship calendar that spans the world's other major regions.

The Rwandan agreement represents a significant step towards fulfilling that ambition. For Formula 1, it also offers an opportunity to reach a potentially large and growing audience, attract new commercial partners and strengthen its presence across Africa.

New Circuit Promises a Challenging Layout

The proposed African Grand Prix will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, around 40 kilometres south of Kigali. Former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz is involved in the circuit's design, which is intended to make use of the area's natural elevation changes to create an engaging challenge for drivers.

The planned track is approximately six kilometres long, with 17 corners and significant changes in elevation. It will be developed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, allowing it to host Formula 1 races alongside other motorsport and major sporting events. The venue will also form part of a wider development linked to tourism, transport and commercial infrastructure.

Rwanda Deal Faces Human Rights Scrutiny

Despite the excitement surrounding Formula 1's return to Africa, the agreement has also attracted criticism over Rwanda's human rights record and the country's use of major sporting events to promote its international image.

Amnesty International has accused Rwanda of using high-profile sports partnerships to improve its reputation while deflecting attention from allegations of abuses and its involvement in the conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. These concerns have prompted debate over the responsibilities of international sporting organisations when choosing host countries and commercial partners.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has defended the project as an opportunity to generate employment, develop skills, increase tourism and attract investment. He has also stressed that the benefits should extend beyond Rwanda, helping create opportunities for other African countries and supporting the continent's wider participation in international sport.

With the 10-year agreement now announced, attention will turn to circuit construction and preparations for the inaugural race, which is expected in the early 2030s. The project could mark a major milestone for African motorsport, although its long-term success will depend on delivering the circuit and addressing the wider questions surrounding the partnership.

Formula 1 to Return to Africa as Rwanda Secures Landmark Grand Prix Deal

Lewis Hamilton's Campaign for an African Grand Prix

New Circuit Promises a Challenging Layout

Rwanda Deal Faces Human Rights Scrutiny

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