Lewis Hamilton wish granted as new F1 grand prix confirmed

F1 has confirmed that it will return to the continent of Africa, with Rwanda chosen to host a grand prix from the early 2030s.

RacingNews365 first broke the news of Africa's return in early October, with the last grand prix on the continent taking place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa. 

The near four-decade absence is to end "in the early 2030s" with the African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, to join the schedule at a new purpose-built track in Bugesera, located about 40km south of the capital, Kigali. 

Various locations have been touted as possible hosts for an F1 return to Africa, including Kyalami and venues in Morocco and Nigeria, but Rwanda has been chosen after hosting high-profile events in recent years.

In 2024, the FIA general assembly and yearly prize-giving ceremony were held in Kigali, with President Paul Kagame attending a number of grands prix in recent years and enjoying warm relations with both F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali and his FIA counterpart, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. 

The new circuit will be adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport and 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," according to an F1 statement.

It is also hoped the venue will drive "long-term economic growth and investment across the region."

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time drivers' champion, has long campaigned for F1 to race in Africa, declaring earlier this season that he would not retire until such a grand prix was held.

Should the first race be held in 2030, Hamilton will be 45 years old. 

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Rwanda to join F1 calendar in early 2030s

Reflecting on the announcement, President Kagame declared that the news "belongs to Africa" and the "100 million fans" across the continent. 

"Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement," he said.

"Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves in it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, one day, drivers. 

"This 10-year partnership is also an investment in Rwanda's future. The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to our country and our region for decades to come, because our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people. 

"I thank Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 and Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the work that has brought us to this day. We look forward to welcoming the world to Rwanda for the African Grand Prix."

FIA president ben Sulayem also added that the news was a "historic moment" for F1 as it returns to Africa.

"The return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport," he said.

"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."

NOTE. The render below is an early version and not representative of the final track design or layout.