F1 could return to Africa after more than 30 years: Rwanda a serious possibility

F1 could return to Africa after more than 30 years: Rwanda a serious possibility. Stefano Domenicali stated that F1 could return to Africa over 30 years after the last GP.

Formula 1 could finally return to Africa over 30 years after the last Grand Prix, which was held at the Kyalami circuit in 1993. The return to the Black Continent has been a possibility, however, linked to countries in the Maghreb (Morocco was mentioned), while for the sub-Saharan area only South Africa seemed a plausible scenario, for historical and economic reasons. Instead, surprisingly, Stefano Domenicali has scheduled talks with Rwandan representatives in about 50 days.

Stefano Domenicali’s comments
“They are serious, they have presented a good plan, and we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be a permanent project,” these were Stefano Domenicali’s comments to Autosport. “We want to go to Africa, but we need to have the right investment, the right strategic plan, and the right timing. We also need to ensure that there is the right reception, because they obviously have other priorities.” – the former Ferrari team principal explained.

“Until 2020, we were in a situation where the number of countries wanting to enter F1 was not that high. Now there are many, and we can work together with all of them. I don’t see major changes coming in the short term, but in the next two months, we need to discuss what will happen in 2026, 2027, and 2028. We have several options.” – the Italian manager pointed out.

An extreme choice
Going to Rwanda would almost certainly provoke the ire of “old guard” fans, who would like a World Championship composed only of historic circuits. However, Formula 1 has long taken an opposite path. Rwanda would be in line with the new direction: Liberty Media’s F1 has always expressed the intention of making the championship a “real” World Championship by going to Africa; moreover, it would be yet another controversial choice for a championship that asks some tracks to modernize and meet the comfort desires of the public, but is ready to go to places with empty stands and full bank accounts. And which, at least in words, claims to be attentive to human rights, only to then negotiate with a country where the leader has been in power de facto for 30 years (Paul Kagame) and won the last elections with 99.18% of the votes.

Aug 8, 2024Alex Marino

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Comments: 1

F1gilles

2 years ago

In the hypothetical scenario that a Rwandan (or African?) GP is held, where would the track be? Certainly not a street circuit, given the low level of infrastructure. A purpose built circuit would be more likely, but it will be difficult to choose an appropriate area between the national parks, hostile terrain and wild animals surrounding it. That is without even considering the multiple dangerous areas in the country with a high threat of armed violence. Even if a track is successfully built, apart from the (low) amount of locals who can afford to attend an F1 GP, how many people from first-world countries would want to attend a GP there instead of a nearby country, or their own? Doesn’t seem like they thought this through well enough. After all, if they want a race in Africa, why not refresh Kyalami to Grade 1 standards and go to a proven, old-school track with a history of motorsport, which I am confident more people would be willing to attend?

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