Rwanda submits bid for first Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993

Rwanda has submitted a bid to organize a Formula 1 race, Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced on Friday.

Kagame made the announcement prior to the Formula 1 gala in the capital Kigali, where Max Verstappen will receive his fourth championship trophy. “I am pleased to officially announce that Rwanda is applying to bring racing excitement back to Africa. I would like to thank Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali for the good progress in our discussions so far.”

The last grand prix in Africa was held in 1993, at the time in Kyalami, South Africa, north of Johannesburg. According to African media, a new circuit should now be built near the new international airport in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers from the capital Kigali.

It remains unclear when Formula 1 should return to Africa.

In August, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton already spoke out about a race in Africa. “The time is 100 percent ripe for that. We cannot add races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world only takes from. Nobody gives Africa anything,” said the Brit.

The boss of the motorsport association FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, says that Rwanda is having an increasing influence on motorsport. That is why he and the Rwandan minister of sport have previously discussed the development of sport in the African country.

In addition, there is now also the Formula 1 gala. “To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA ​​calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation. The future of motorsport here in Africa looks bright,” said Ben Sulayem.