For some time, there have been discussions across the African continent about the possibility of bringing back a Formula 1 (F1) race. Rwanda and South Africa have both taken the lead in the drive to get a F1 race on the continent. On Tuesday 13th October, Formula 1 moved forward with a 10-year agreement to run a race in Rwanda.
In a recent official statement, F1 has confirmed that the agreement to bring a race back to Africa is a major step in the sport’s history and will see F1 return to Africa for the first time since 1993. Kyalami in South Africa was the last circuit to host an F1 Grand Prix, with Alan Prost – the French former racing driver – winning that race.
South Africa has served as the host for 23 sanctioned Formula 1 World Championship races across two distinguished circuits, with the Prince George Circuit in East London having accommodated three World Championship races spanning from 1934 to 1966. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted 20 World Championship races during the period 1967 to 1985 and in 1992 and 1993.
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Reinstituting the race on the African continent has constituted a longstanding objective for F1, with extensive collaborative efforts undertaken to establish appropriate infrastructure and identify the optimal partner capable of delivering a prosperous, enduring, and internationally competitive Grand Prix for future generations.
F1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali stated that today [Tuesday] constitutes a pivotal moment for F1, with Rwanda being incorporated into the racing calendar commencing in the forthcoming decade.
“Our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Rwandan Government, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and all individuals whose commitment and cooperative efforts have contributed to this achievement.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, serving as FIA president, communicated to the F1 media team that the reestablishment of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship on the African continent represents a momentous occasion for motorsport and constitutes a significant advancement in the ongoing international expansion of the sport.
Sulayem emphasised that Rwanda has exhibited substantial dedication to organising a premier-quality event, and the FIA remains committed to collaborating extensively with FOM and associated partners throughout the development of this emerging circuit to conform to the most rigorous global benchmarks.
“This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is at the heart of the FIA’s mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching new communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world.
“I congratulate President Paul Kagame on this landmark moment for his nation and share my thanks with Stefano Domenicali and all those whose collaboration has made this exciting new chapter possible,” he said.
