Sources close to the Rwandan government and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have confirmed that Rwanda will host a Formula One Grand Prix. This will be the first F1 race on the African continent in decades. The nation has been pursuing a Grand Prix for years, using sports to enhance its image and attract investment. Rwanda has previously hosted various international sports events, including football, basketball, and cycling.
A source within the Rwandan government told AFP that the country's bid to host the F1 race has been approved, with an agreement reached. An official announcement is expected to be made in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, next week. Qatar is supporting the project, which will delight F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion who has long advocated for an African stop on the F1 circuit.
President Paul Kagame formally announced Rwanda's bid to host the F1 Grand Prix when the country hosted a gathering of the FIA in December 2024. He emphasized the importance of respect and giving everyone the chance to contribute. Hamilton has backed Rwanda's plans, calling the country "one of my favourite places". Rwanda has been using sports to revamp its image and attract tourists and investors.
Rwanda has invested heavily in sports, partnering with top clubs like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and hosting high-profile events such as the 2025 Cycling World Championships. The country has also partnered with the NBA to be the main hub of its African basketball league. However, critics have accused Rwanda of "sports-washing", using glitzy events to distract from human rights abuses.
There are concerns within Rwanda that the decision to host the F1 Grand Prix may not be universally welcomed, given the country's economic struggles. A quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, and some have seen little benefit from high-profile sports tie-ups. The government source noted that the temperature in the country is different this time, with a struggling economy.
South Africa has also been bidding to host an F1 race, and its sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, emphasized that it should not be ruled out. McKenzie posted on X that Rwanda deserves the opportunity, but South Africa will also get an F1 race before 2030. Italy currently hosts two F1 races per year, and McKenzie questioned why a continent of 55 countries could only get one.
The announcement of Rwanda hosting the F1 Grand Prix is set to be made official next week. The event is expected to bring significant attention and investment to the country. While there are concerns about the economic benefits, the government is likely to use the event to showcase its organisational efficiency and attract tourists and investors.
Key points
- Rwanda will host its first F1 Grand Prix, marking the return of the sport to the African continent after decades.
- The decision to host the F1 Grand Prix in Rwanda has been met with both excitement and criticism, with concerns about the country's human rights record and economic struggles.
- South Africa, which had also bid to host an F1 race, has vowed to continue its efforts and is likely to host a race before 2030.
