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The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has announced his country’s desire to organize a Formula One race.
F1 has not been hosted in Africa since the final South African Grand Prix in 1993.
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Max Verstappen accepted his trophy for securing a fourth consecutive world championship at an awards event in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, today.
Kagame addressed attendees at the gathering, announcing to the FIA’s General Assembly: “I am thrilled to officially declare that Rwanda is eager to revitalize racing in Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.”
“I extend my genuine gratitude to (F1 CEO) Stefano Domenicali and the entire F1 team for the encouraging progress in our discussions thus far.”
“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the respect and dedication it truly deserves.”
“Together, we will forge something we can all take pride in.”
Domenicali pointed out in August that Rwanda intends to host a race on a permanent circuit.
Reports indicate that the racetrack, designed by a company led by former Austrian F1 driver Alexander Wurz, will be located near a new international airport under development, approximately 40 kilometers from Kigali.
Lewis Hamilton expressed in August that now is an ideal time for a return to Africa, and he is collaborating informally with both Rwanda and South Africa to make this happen.
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The seven-time world champion stated, “The moment is absolutely right. We cannot continue to add races in different locations while overlooking Africa, a continent that the global community often takes from without offering anything in return.”
“Hosting a Grand Prix there would genuinely highlight the continent’s magnificence and enhance tourism and various opportunities. It’s time we acknowledged Africa.”
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This week marks the inaugural occasion for the FIA to hold its general assemblies in Africa, where FIA’s Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema convened earlier in Kigali.
Ben Sulayem remarked, “Being in Rwanda for such a significant moment in the FIA’s calendar highlights the strength of this nation, particularly its growing influence on motorsport.”
“We share common values and goals in essential areas like innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
“The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”
Verstappen is also undertaking “community service” in Rwanda as a result of an incident during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in October.
This task includes developing an FIA Affordable Cross Car locally in Rwanda, based on designs provided by the governing body.
F1 2025 grid
Here are the confirmed driver lineups for the F1 2025 season so far:
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
RB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBC
Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
