Formula 1 will return to Africa for first time since 1993 with deal to host Grand Prix in Rwanda

Rwanda will host a Formula 1 race from “the early 2030s” when the series returns to Africa after about 40 years.The African Grand Prix will have a 10-year contract and take place at a track in Bugesera, southeast of the capital Kigali, F1 said on Tuesday.The purpose-built track will be ready “early in the next decade.”“This partnership is long overdue,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at a launch event in Kigali.

“But it is a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans.Ultimately, what we want is for the African Grand Prix to pave the way for other races to be hosted on the continent.”Racing in Africa will fulfil a long-held ambition for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1.

The 41-year-old British driver has said he has been “fighting in the background” for years to have a race in Africa.The last time F1 raced in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993.“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” F1 President and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said.“With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.”Rwanda becomes the first confirmed new host nation for F1 since Qatar and Saudi Arabia joined the schedule in 2021.The Bugesera circuit will be built near an under-construction airport serving Kigali and will “work in harmony with the natural landscape,” using hills and dips in the landscape to challenge drivers.Kagame said Rwanda aims to use the race to develop sports infrastructure and tourism and to diversify revenue.“Look, our country will be watched on the global stage.

And this comes with investments...