Rwanda makes Formula 1 bid: Has Africa ever hosted F1 race? Can Kigali win the bid?

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was ordered by Formula 1’s governing body FIA to help out with a grassroots program in Rwanda as penalty for swearing at a news conference in Singapore earlier during the 2024 season. Incidentally, it was also in Rwanda where the Dutchman collected his trophy after winning the F1 drivers’ title for the fourth consecutive season.

With Verstappen being handed the winner’s trophy at an FIA event in the capital city of Kigali, Rwandan president Paul Kagame used the opportunity to make a major announcement – launching the nation’s bid to host an F1 race.

“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” Kagame said in an opening address to the governing FIA’s General Assembly.

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“A big thank you to (Formula One chief executive) Stefano (Domenicali) and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.

“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”

Has Africa hosted an F1 race in the past?

If their bid turns out to be successful, Rwanda will not be the first African nation hosting an F1 race. South Africa had hosted 33 F1 races between 1934 and 1993 – having taken place continuously each year between 1965 and 1985. The race had been hosted initially at the Prince George Circuit in East London between 1934 and 1966, before moving to the Kyalami Circuit in Midrand near Johannesburg.

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The South African Grand Prix was nearly included in the 2024 season, which would have marked the return of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ to the F1 calendar after 31 years. However, the FIA eventually called it off due to the South African government’s stance on Russia’ invasion of Ukraine.

Will Rwanda host an F1 race in the future?

Rwanda’s planning to build an F1 circuit, to be designed by a company run by former Austrian F1 racer Alexander Wurz, close to the Bugesera Airport on the outskirts of the capital city of Kigali, if their bid is turns out to be successful.

Wurz, who also happens to be the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has reportedly been working on the track for more than a year and is also designing the Qiddiyah track in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to begin hosting races from 2029.

Despite not being confirmed, Rwanda now appears the most likely destination for F1’s return to Africa. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem for one felt that the future of motorsport in the continent was “bright”.

“To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport,” said Ben Sulayem.

“We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who parted ways with Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and is set to join Ferrari next year, too voiced his support for an F1 race in Africa.

“The time’s 100% right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said the Briton.

“I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?”