Rwanda has for some time expressed its interest in hosting one of the world’s biggest motor racing events, Formula 1, which has not been held in Africa for 33 years.
Rwanda, Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa have all expressed interest in bringing the race back to Africa, but only some of them are considered to have a realistic chance of hosting it.
According to Sky Sports, Rwanda, South Africa, Argentina and Thailand are currently at the forefront of discussions, although none of the four countries has been officially confirmed as a host.
In December 2024, Rwanda formally submitted its bid to host a Formula 1 race, a move announced by President Paul Kagame during the General Assembly of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which was held in Kigali.
The President later visited several Formula 1 facilities, including the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Formula 1 aims to reach at least 830 million fans by 2028, including audiences across different continents, among them Africa.
It is reported that the Formula 1 circuit planned for Rwanda would be built in the Bugesera District, near the new airport currently under construction.
In July this year, Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire said that since Rwanda had committed to hosting the race, there was no doubt that the country would eventually host it, and that it should happen soon.
“We know some people are asking whether we will reach the point of hosting Formula 1. Yes, as our President [Paul Kagame] said. You should not have any concerns because everything depends on willingness and hard work. It is also not something that should take too long, because the first thing it requires is already in place,” she said.
Formula 1 is a motor racing championship featuring single-seater cars and is considered the pinnacle of motorsport, largely because of its speed, cutting-edge technology and popularity among fans around the world.
The championship is held across different locations known as Grands Prix, either on purpose-built racing circuits or on public roads that are temporarily closed for the events.
Each race awards points to drivers and teams based on their finishing positions, with the driver and team accumulating the most points over the course of the season being crowned the respective champions
