Breaking: F1 to return to Africa for brand new grand prix

Formula 1 is to return to racing in Africa, RacingNews365 has learned from multiple sources. 

It is understood from well-placed sources in the paddock that Rwanda will be granted the opportunity to host a grand prix, with the race set to join the calendar in 2030. 

According to our information, an agreement has been reached, and an official announcement could come later on this year - potentially in the coming weeks. 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has made significant efforts in recent years to secure an opportunity for his country to join the top tier of motorsport. 

At Kagame’s initiative, the Rwandan capital Kigali hosted the FIA General Assemblies and Prize Giving Ceremony in 2024. Following months of speculation, Kagame used the event to announce that his country would bid to host a Formula 1 race.


As Rwanda currently has no circuit capable of hosting such an event, Kagame’s announcement was met with some scepticism within the F1 community. Nevertheless, the plans did not disappear. The president attended the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and has maintained close contact with both FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.


According to information obtained by RacingNews365, it has now been decided that Rwanda will build a permanent racing circuit, based on the plans that were previously leaked. 

The complex will be constructed approximately 40 kilometres from Kigali, near Bugesera International Airport, based on designs by WurzDesign. 

The company belongs to former F1 driver and circuit designer Alexander Wurz and is currently working - together with Tilke Engineering - on the Qiddiya Speed Park circuit in Saudi Arabia.


F1’s return to Africa has been a longstanding topic of discussion within the series, which last raced on the continent at the 1993 South African GP at Kyalami. 

Several attempts have been made in recent years to bring F1 back to Africa. 

In South Africa, the former host venue Kyalami, as well as Cape Town, have sought the opportunity to host a race, while there have also been rumours about the intention of Morocco and Nigeria.


Although there is no shortage of interest in hosting grands prix around the world, prominent figures within the sport have long agreed that the African continent should return to the F1 calendar. 

Among the drivers, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has been one of the most vocal advocates for the initiative, which has also regularly received support from ben Sulayem and Domenicali.