Is Formula 1 preparing to return to Africa?. Rwanda is ready to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Rwanda is ready to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, according to Christian Gakwaya, president of the Rwandan Automobile Club. As negotiations with Liberty Media progress, the East African nation is committed to bringing the highest level of motorsport back to the continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, won by Alain Prost.

Rwanda – the next new F1 destination?
In recent days, news has emerged of a potential Formula 1 Grand Prix in Rwanda. Stefano Domenicali, chief executive officer of F1, expressed to Autosport.com his interest in bringing Formula 1 back to Africa. The Rwandan Automobile Club organizes motorsport events in the country, and President Gakwaya stated: “Rwanda as a country is committed and ready to host a Formula 1 race.” As reported by motorsportmagazine.com, Christian Gakwaya emphasized the seriousness of the nation’s bid for F1. “Our interest in Formula 1 aligns with the national strategy to use sports as a lever for economic transformation,” said Christian Gakwaya. “As a founding sponsor and host of the NBA’s Basketball Africa League and the upcoming UCI Cycling World Championships, Rwanda has positioned itself as one of the top destinations for sports and entertainment.”

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, will host the FIA’s annual awards ceremony in December 2024. However, details of the proposed circuit project have not yet been disclosed. If a circuit were to be built in Kigali, we could expect features similar to those of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico. The Rwandan capital is located over 1 km above sea level. For motorsport in Rwanda, hosting F1 is a key component of a broader strategy that includes infrastructure development, capacity building, and academies, as well as the push to host more international events and championships in Rwanda.

“Significant progress has already been made in the new strategy, with further plans to be revealed at the next general assembly to be held in December in Kigali,” the official concluded. Could we see an African Grand Prix sooner than we imagine?