Formula One to return to Africa as Rwanda race confirmed for 'early 2030s'

Formula One is set to return to Africa for the first time in more than three decades after Rwanda signed a 10-year deal to host the race.

A new bespoke track constructed in Bugesera, a district south of Rwanda's capital, Kigali, will stage the new race, which will be known as the African Grand Prix.

Formula One said the purpose-built track will be ready "early in the next decade".

Projected to take place in "the early 2030s", it would mark 33 years since F1 last raced in Africa, when Kyalami in South Africa hosted its final grand prix in 1993.

In a statement, Rwandan president Paul Kagame said it was a proud day for the country, adding the championship will bring "a lasting benefit for our people" beyond the sport in new jobs, skills, and tourism.

Over the last few decades, the sport has expanded its calendar rapidly across Europe, Asia and North America, making Africa the only continent that remains largely unexplored since the Kyalami Grand Prix.

"Today belongs to Africa," the statement from Mr Kagame added.

"For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.

"Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa."

The circuit is being developed in collaboration with WurzDesign, the track design firm founded by former racing driver Alexander Wurz, and Tilke engineering group, which has helped design and construct a number of F1 tracks, including Malaysia's Sepang.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has said racing in Africa is a long-held ambition, and that he has been lobbying behind the scenes to ensure a race is held on the continent before he retires.

Speaking at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. For me, it's the most important continent and the most beautiful continent.

"We're on all the other continents but that one, and there should be no reason for it. It's something I've been pushing for in the background and Stefano's been amazing."

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In a statement, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali said he is excited to be able to cater to the more than 100 million Formula 1 fans on the continent.

Mr 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."

The track, which will be built adjacent to the Kigali International Airport, will be developed to the FIA Grade 1 standards required for F1 racing.

(c) Sky News 2026: Formula One to return to Africa as Rwanda race confirmed for 'early 2030s'