Formula 1 could return to Africa from 2030, with Rwanda reportedly at an advanced stage of talks to host a new Grand Prix. The project could bring the World Championship back to the continent almost four decades after its last race there.
The plan would represent one of the most significant additions to Formula 1’s future calendar. However, no final official confirmation has yet been made, and several steps will still be required before the race can formally be added to the championship.
A New Circuit Near Kigali
The project would involve the construction of a permanent circuit near Kigali, approximately 40 kilometres from the Rwandan capital and close to the new Bugesera International Airport.
The circuit is expected to be designed by WurzDesign, the company led by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz. The aim would be to build a modern facility capable of meeting the FIA standards required to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Rwanda has been working for some time to secure a place on the Formula 1 calendar. In December 2024, Kigali hosted the FIA General Assemblies and the Federation’s prize-giving ceremony, during which President Paul Kagame publicly confirmed the country’s interest in hosting a Grand Prix.
Formula 1 Has Been Absent from Africa Since 1993
The last Formula 1 race held in Africa took place in 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was staged at Kyalami.
In recent years, a return to South Africa has repeatedly been discussed, but negotiations have yet to produce a final agreement. At the same time, other projects have emerged across the continent, with Rwanda now appearing to be one of the strongest candidates.
Lewis Hamilton has also repeatedly supported Formula 1’s return to Africa, describing the continent as one of the major missing regions on the current World Championship calendar.
Possible Debut in 2030
The objective would be to introduce the Rwanda Grand Prix from the 2030 Formula 1 season.
Before a final agreement can be reached, several infrastructural and organisational requirements will still have to be completed. Building a new circuit requires significant preparation time, while FIA homologation and commercial agreements with Formula 1 will also be essential.
If the project goes ahead, Rwanda could become the venue for one of the most anticipated returns in recent Formula 1 history, bringing the championship back to Africa 37 years after the continent last hosted a Grand Prix.