F1 responds to 'blood-stained' warning over potential African GP host

Formula 1 has issued a response after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) warned a grand prix in neighbouring country Rwanda would be a “blood-stained” event.

At last year's FIA prize-giving gala from Kigali, Rwanda president Paul Kagame confirmed the country had lodged an official bid for a grand prix.

F1 is widely known to be interested in returning F1 to the African continent, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton advocating for the sport to establish a permanent race there.

But after voicing its desire to set up a race, Rwanda has received a severe backlash from the DRC.

The two countries are currently in a conflict, with Rwandan forces aiding the M23 rebel group in its fight against the Congolese army in a feud that has been ongoing since early 2022.

In a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, which has been reported by City AM, DRC minister of foreign affairs Therese Kayikwamba Wagner voiced concern over Rwanda's proposal to host a race.

“Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens,” the letter said. 

“While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a grand prix in Africa, I question whether Rwanda would be a choice that best represents our continent and urge you to end negotiations and rule Rwanda out as a potential host.

“Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda? Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?”

F1 issues response to DRC concerns

F1 has seen a boost in interest from potential grand prix hosts across the last handful of years.

The sport has not ventured to Africa since 1993, when the latest South African Grand Prix was held.

F1 has asserted it is observing the situation regarding DRC and Rwanda but outlined any decision over a future grand prix host will fall in line with the sport's values.

“We have been closely monitoring the developments relating to the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so,” a spokesperson for F1 told RacingNews365.

“We have received requests from multiple locations around the world that wish to host a future Formula 1 race. 

“We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions would be based on the full information and what is in the best interests of our sport and our values.”