On October 25, 2026, the United States Grand Prix was held in the US, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli claiming victory.
Verstappen, who finished third, was asked how confident he was about competing in the African Grand Prix planned for Rwanda, given the country’s reported tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Red Bull driver echoed the sentiments of fellow competitor Lewis Hamilton, saying challenges exist in many countries around the world.
“You could say that about many countries around the world. We’ll see when the time comes. I’ve been there, so it’s a nice place,” Verstappen said.
Hamilton, meanwhile, said peace should be pursued wherever it is needed and stressed that the planned race in Rwanda should be viewed as an event for the entire African continent, rather than for Rwanda alone.
“We shouldn’t look at the race as being about one country. It is a race for the whole continent. There are many beautiful countries there. Going there does not mean you are disregarding what is happening,” Hamilton said.
Rwanda has signed a cooperation agreement with Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to host the African Grand Prix under a 10-year arrangement beginning in 2030.
The race, which will be supported by the Visit Rwanda initiative, is planned for Bugesera District, where a dedicated circuit for Formula One racing cars will be built.
