F1 set for return to Africa under ‘landmark’ new agreement

(Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) | Formula 1 via Getty Images Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for a new race in Rwanda starting early next decade. The news, first reported by Sandor Mészáros earlier this month, was confirmed by F1 early on Tuesday morning. Under the agreement, which will see F1 return to the continent for the first time since 1993, a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix under a “landmark” ten-year agreement. According to the announcement, the circuit will be located approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali, and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport, which is set to be completed in 2028. The track 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 delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans.” The return to Africa, which last saw an F1 race in 1993 with the South African Grand Prix, comes as F1 remains an “exciting growth” opportunity for the sport. As noted in the announcement, “more than 100 million fans” already follow F1, and “almost 60% of the fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets” are under the age of 35.“ When SB Nation spoke with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem ahead of the 2025 United States Grand Prix, he stressed his vision for growing motorsport, and F1, into emerging markets. A return to Africa fits well with that vision. President Ben Sulayem hailed the news as a “historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport.” “The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport. Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event, and the FIA will work closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to the highest international standards. “This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is at the heart of the FIA’s mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching new communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world. “I congratulate President Paul Kagame on this landmark moment for his nation and share my thanks with Stefano Domenicali and all those whose collaboration has made this exciting new chapter possible.” F1 President Stefano Domenicali called the new race a “landmark moment” for F1. “Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to 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 meaningful impact. I would 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 Sulayem and everyone whose dedication and collaboration have made this possible. “This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations. For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.” Further details, including the inaugural race date, will follow. Want to stay updated on all the latest F1 news? Download the brand new SB Nation app and join our F1 Community! There, you can read all the latest from the paddock and talk about Formula 1 all year long with fans from around the world!

Read it at SB Nation ↗

← Front page