Historic Move Could Mark F1’s Return to Africa After Over 30 Years

Rwanda has officially declared its intention to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, signaling a major milestone for motorsport in Africa. The announcement was made by President Paul Kagame during the opening of the FIA General Assembly in Kigali, marking the country’s bid to bring the prestigious racing event back to the continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Rwanda’s Vision for F1

President Kagame made the official announcement with great enthusiasm, expressing Rwanda’s excitement about the potential to host the high-profile event. During his speech, he also acknowledged the positive progress made in discussions with Formula 1 leadership, particularly with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” said President Kagame. “A big thank you to Stefano and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far. 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.”

Historic FIA General Assembly in Kigali

The announcement coincided with the historic FIA General Assembly being held in Africa for the first time. The event was attended by key figures in the motorsport world, including FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister, Richard Nyirihishema. The assembly’s location in Kigali further highlighted Rwanda’s growing role in the global motorsport community.

FIA’s Endorsement of Rwanda’s Growing Motorsport Influence

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda’s increasing influence in the motorsport industry, highlighting the nation’s alignment with the FIA’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and road safety. “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,” said Ben Sulayem. “We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”

A New Era for Motorsport in Africa

Rwanda’s bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment in the revival of motorsport on the African continent. The last Formula 1 race held in Africa was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, and the prospect of returning to Africa has generated significant excitement among fans and stakeholders alike.