Rwanda has officially entered the race to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, with President Paul Kagame announcing the country’s bid to host a grand prix.
The announcement was made during the FIA’s General Assembly and Prize Giving ceremony, currently being held in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix,” President Kagame said. “A big thank you to [F1 president] Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far. I assure you we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.”
If successful, the race would be held on a new circuit near the Bugesera International Airport, located outside Kigali. The track design is being led by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and current chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
Wurz and his team have collaborated with local advisers, companies, and authorities for over a year to develop the circuit, which is expected to feature fast, flowing sections and integrate Rwanda’s hilly terrain.
The track’s scenic location beside a lake promises a visually stunning backdrop, combining modern racing infrastructure with Rwanda’s natural beauty.
Formula 1 has been eager to reestablish a presence in Africa, with Rwanda emerging as the front-runner after previous efforts to revive a race in South Africa’s Kyalami track fell through due to issues with local promoters. The Kyalami track last hosted a grand prix in 1993.
Rwanda’s bid underscores the nation’s ambition to position itself as a global sports and tourism hub. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Rwanda’s Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema during the general assembly to discuss the proposal further.
The track designer, Alexander Wurz, is also involved in other high-profile projects, including the new Qiddiyah circuit in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to host a grand prix in 2029.
While the Rwandan project is yet to be confirmed, it is now viewed as the most viable option for returning Formula 1 to Africa. Should the bid succeed, it would mark a significant milestone in the sport’s history, bringing the excitement of F1 to a new audience and revitalizing its presence on the continent.
