Formula 1 announces 10-year deal to return to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix starting in early 2030s

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Formula 1 has announced a landmark 10-year agreement to return the sport to Africa for the first time since 1993, with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the F1 calendar in the early 2030s. The announcement marks what F1 described as a defining moment in its history, following years of collaboration aimed at putting the right foundations in place with the “best partner” to deliver a successful, sustainable, world-class event.

The first race in Rwanda is expected only after construction of a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera is completed, a timeline Formula 1 said is expected to be “early in the next decade.” The track will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a broader sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.

The circuit is planned to sit approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Formula 1 said the venue will be designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a “unique and challenging” racing experience while also delivering viewing opportunities for fans.

Beyond race weekend, the project is intended to function as a year-round destination capable of hosting international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment. Formula 1 linked the longer-term vision to economic growth and investment across the region, describing the venue as part of a legacy-building approach rather than a single-event investment.

F1 framed the deal as part of its continued effort to expand globally and connect with new audiences. The announcement cited that more than 100 million fans already follow F1 across Africa and that almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are under the age of 35.

Rwanda, Formula 1 said, has built momentum as a destination for international events, listing examples including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the 2024 FIA Awards Ceremony. The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, was described as the next chapter in Rwanda’s ambition to become a globally recognised hub for sport, tourism, innovation and business.

Formula 1 said the agreement is shared among F1, the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board, with a shared vision focused on economic and social impact and on inspiring future generations. The companies said further details—including the inaugural race date, circuit development milestones and race weekend plans—will be announced in due course.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, called the deal a “landmark moment” and said that bringing Rwanda onto the calendar from the next decade will mean F1 races in every inhabited continent, moving the World Championship closer to fans worldwide. Domenicali also thanked Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and others credited with enabling the agreement.

Paul Kagame said in remarks included with the announcement that “today belongs to Africa,” adding that the continent has been absent from the premier motorsport series for more than three decades and that this agreement changes that. He also described the Bugesera circuit and adjacent airport as an investment in jobs, skills, tourism and business for decades, emphasising that the goal is a lasting benefit rather than only a race weekend.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, described Rwanda’s return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to Africa as a historic moment and said the FIA will work closely with Formula One Management (FOM) and partners as the circuit is developed to the highest international standards. He also said the agreement supports a broader FIA mission focused on accessibility, legacy and developing talent across Africa.

The FIA and F1 announcement did not provide a specific calendar date for the inaugural African Grand Prix or any intermediate construction milestones, and said those details will follow.

For fans and stakeholders, the immediate takeaway is that Rwanda’s entry is tied to a new FIA Grade 1 venue in Bugesera and a broader year-round event and tourism plan, with F1 positioning the project as an expansion of the championship’s global footprint into a market it described as both large and young. Meanwhile, the next concrete steps for race planning will depend on announced construction milestones and the eventual confirmation of an inaugural race date.