Formula 1 on Tuesday announced a landmark 10 – year agreement to bring the FIA Formula One World Championship back to Africa, with Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the calendar in the early 2030’s.
The agreement marks a defining moment in Formula 1’s history and will see the sport return to the African continent for the first time since the South African Grand Prix in 1993, when it was held at the Kyalami Circuit near Johannesburg. Racing in Africa has been long – standing ambition for Formula 1, and Tuesday’s announcement follows years of collaboration to ensure the right foundation with the best partner; are in place to deliver a successful sustainable and world – class Grand Prix for generations to come.
The long – term agreement will see the first race in country take place once the new purpose – built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, has been completed to be early in the next decade. The new track designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz will be developed by to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure, and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.
Located approximately 40 kilometres South of Kigali International Airport, the Circuit will be designed to work with harmony with natural landscape using the areas elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans. Beyond race weekends, the venue will serve as a year – round destination capable of hosting international motorsport, major events, conferences, and entertainment, helping to drive long – term economic growth and investment across the region.
The announcement reflects Formula 1’s continued commitment to expanding it’s global reach and connecting with new audiences around the world. Africa represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities for sport, with 100 million fans already following Formula 1 across the continent and almost 60% of fans in key Sub – Saharan Africa marked under the age of 35.
Rwanda has established itself as one of Africa’s leading destinations to international events, successfully hosting major sport and global gatherings, including the UCIRO and World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, 2023 FIFA Congress, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards ceremony.
“Tuesday’s event is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” said Stefano Dimenicali, President and Chief Executive Officer of F1 “With Rwanda joining the calendar from next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championships closer than ever t8 fans around the globe.
“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future,” 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 a meaningful impact.
“I would like to thank like to thank His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda. The Rwanda Development Board FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulaiyem and everyone who made this possible.
“For fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and dreams of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting chapter,” Mohammed Ben Sulaiyem FIA President said.
“The return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championships to Africa is historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport.
“Rwanda has demostrated a strong commitment to delivering a world – class event, and the FIA will work closely with POM and our partners, as this new circuit is developed to highest international standards. This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring a new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is the heart of FIA’s mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world.
Source: Corp. formula 1.com
