Formula 1 could return to Africa in 2030, with Rwanda reportedly selected to end the continent’s 37-year Grand Prix absence.
RacingNews365 reported that an agreement has been reached for Rwanda to host Formula 1 at a new permanent circuit near Kigali.
Reuters subsequently carried the development, citing the report, with an official announcement potentially expected before the end of 2026.
Formula 1 has yet to formally confirm the Rwanda Grand Prix, making the proposed 2030 date reported rather than official.
If completed, the project would deliver Africa’s first Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
That race was won by Alain Prost for Williams-Renault, beginning a lengthy absence for Africa from Formula 1.
Rwanda entered the Formula 1 race publicly in December 2024, when President Paul Kagame announced the country’s official bid.
Speaking during the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali, Kagame confirmed discussions had already started with Formula 1 officials.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa.”
Kagame thanked Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali for the progress made during discussions between both parties.
Rwanda’s proposal involves constructing a permanent Formula 1 circuit near Bugesera International Airport, about 40 kilometres from Kigali.
The circuit is expected to follow plans developed by WurzDesign, the company founded by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz.
The reported breakthrough comes after Formula 1 publicly acknowledged significant progress in negotiations over an African Grand Prix.
Domenicali said in August that talks concerning Formula 1’s return to the continent had advanced considerably.
“Negotiations are progressing very well in Africa,” Domenicali said while discussing Formula 1’s expanding international calendar.
Africa remains the only inhabited continent without a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the current championship calendar.
Hamilton pushes for Formula 1 in Africa
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been among the strongest advocates for Formula 1 returning to Africa.
The Ferrari driver has repeatedly questioned why the championship operates across other continents while Africa remains outside the calendar.
Hamilton revealed earlier this year that he had spent several years privately lobbying Formula 1 stakeholders about an African race.
“I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton identified Rwanda and South Africa among the countries he believes could provide suitable homes for Formula 1.
His comments add significant weight to a campaign that has increasingly become about Formula 1’s claim to global representation.
South Africa refuses to give up
Rwanda’s progress represents a significant development for South Africa, historically considered the leading candidate for Formula 1’s African return.
Kyalami staged South Africa’s final Formula 1 race in 1993 but currently lacks the FIA Grade 1 status required.
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie welcomed Rwanda’s reported success while insisting his country would continue pursuing Formula 1.
“They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it,” McKenzie said.
However, McKenzie argued Africa should not be limited to one Grand Prix and maintained South Africa could still secure another race. “SA will get F1, even before 2030.”
He pointed towards countries hosting multiple races while arguing Africa’s 55 nations should not be restricted to one event.
Rwanda has already invested heavily in international sport, hosting major basketball, cycling and football events alongside global sports conferences.
Landing Formula 1 would elevate that strategy considerably while returning one of world sport’s biggest properties to Africa.