F1 Racing Returns to Africa After 33 years

Rwanda is set to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa for the first time in 33 years after securing a 10-year agreement to host a Grand Prix.

The announcement was made in Kigali, the country’s capital, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with President Paul Kagame confirming plans to return the prestigious motorsport competition to the continent.

The proposed race is expected to take place on a purpose-built circuit about 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The track will form part of a major lakeside development project designed to meet Formula 1’s strict requirements.

Kagame was joined at the announcement by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1’s governing body, and Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive officer of Formula 1.

The agreement is expected to give Rwanda enough time to develop the required facilities, with the first race targeted for the early 2030s. The event could take place in 2030, 2031 or 2032, depending on the progress of preparations.

The circuit must meet FIA Grade 1 standards before it can host Formula 1 races. Alex Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, will design the track, with the Tilke engineering company also expected to contribute to the project. The company has helped design several modern Formula 1 circuits.

Rwanda’s agreement comes after several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria and some North African nations, expressed interest in hosting a Grand Prix.

Africa last hosted a Formula 1 race at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, marking the start of the continent’s long absence from the sport’s calendar.