Formula 1 is officially returning to Africa for the first time in more than three decades after Rwanda signed a landmark 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
The historic announcement, confirmed on Tuesday, 13 October, marks the end of a lengthy absence for the continent, which last hosted a Formula 1 race at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit in 1993.
Rwanda will stage the event at a brand-new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali, alongside the country’s new international airport.
The circuit will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, with former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz involved in its design. The track will incorporate Rwanda’s natural landscape and elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience.
Although an exact date for the inaugural race has yet to be announced, Formula 1 expects the venue to be completed in the early 2030s.
BREAKING: Formula 1 returns to Africa with 10 year agreement to race in Rwanda
The agreement represents a significant milestone for Formula 1, which has spent years exploring opportunities to return to Africa.
South Africa had previously emerged as a leading candidate, with both Kyalami and Cape Town considered potential destinations. However, Rwanda has now secured the agreement to bring the sport back to the continent.
Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the announcement as a landmark moment, highlighting the championship’s ambition to expand its global reach.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has also been a vocal advocate for Formula 1’s return to Africa, repeatedly calling for the continent to regain its place on the racing calendar.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed the agreement, emphasising its potential to create employment, attract international investment and inspire the next generation of African motorsport talent.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s wider ambitions to establish itself as a major international sporting destination, with the new circuit expected to support tourism, business development and other major events beyond Formula 1 race weekends.
Africa’s Long Wait Is Almost Over
Africa has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since Alain Prost won the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
More than three decades later, Rwanda’s historic agreement promises to restore the continent’s place in the world’s premier motorsport championship.
While significant construction and planning remain before the first race, the announcement represents a major breakthrough for African motorsport fans who have waited generations to witness Formula 1 racing on home soil.
For Rwanda, the African Grand Prix offers an opportunity to make sporting history while introducing millions of fans across the continent to a new era of Formula 1.
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