Formula 1 confirms Rwanda Grand Prix deal for return to Africa
Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time in nearly four decades after securing a 10-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda, with the inaugural race planned for the early 2030s.
The championship confirmed the deal on October 13, ending years of negotiations over a possible African race. The continent has been absent from the F1 calendar since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
The new event, officially named the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali.
Africa, we’re back. 🌍 From the early 2030s, the African Grand Prix will join the calendar and take place in Bugesera, Rwanda 🇷🇼 #F1 https://t.co/c5gSRl7FNt
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 13, 2026
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the championship had sought a long-term partnership that would deliver a sustainable race and contribute to the host country’s development.
What will Rwanda’s F1 circuit look like?
The new circuit will be constructed near Kigali International Airport and designed to meet the FIA‘s Grade 1 safety standards, the highest classification required to host Formula 1 races.
Former F1 driver Alex Wurz‘s design company, WurzDesign, is collaborating with Tilke Engineers and Architects, the firm behind several international circuits, including Malaysia’s Sepang.
The track will incorporate the region’s natural elevation changes, creating a layout with significant climbs and descents. However, the final design, circuit length and number of corners have not been confirmed.
BREAKING: President Paul #Kagame officially announces that Rwanda will host a Formula One Grand Prix, with the inaugural race projected for the early 2030s. https://t.co/N66aC3ocLX
— The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) October 13, 2026
The project forms part of a larger development programme involving tourism, sports facilities and commercial infrastructure. Outside F1 race weekends, the venue is expected to host other motorsport competitions, conferences and international events.
Rwanda previously hosted the FIA Awards Ceremony in 2024, where Max Verstappen received his fourth world championship trophy.
The country’s successful bid also follows growing interest in bringing F1 back to Africa, with Lewis Hamilton among the most vocal supporters of the idea.
Hamilton previously described Africa as a crucial missing destination on the championship calendar and said he had encouraged F1 management to pursue a race on the continent.
Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell have also publicly supported an African Grand Prix.
According to Formula 1, the continent has more than 100mn F1 fans, with almost 60% of followers in key sub-Saharan markets aged under 35.
