The Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, has announced his country’s ambition to host a Formula One race.

F1 has not been held in Africa since the last South African Grand Prix in 1993.

1

Max Verstappen received his trophy for achieving a fourth consecutive world title at a ceremony in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, today.

Kagame spoke to the attendees at the event, addressing the FIA’s General Assembly: “I am thrilled to officially announce that Rwanda is pursuing the chance to rejuvenate racing in Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.”

“A sincere thank you to (F1 CEO) Stefano Domenicali and the entire F1 team for the encouraging progress in our discussions up to this point.”

“I promise that we are approaching this opportunity with the respect and dedication it truly deserves.”

“Together, we will build something to be proud of.”

Domenicali noted in August that Rwanda is looking to host a race on a permanent track.

Reports indicate that the racetrack, which is designed by a team led by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver from Austria, will be located near a new international airport being constructed 40 kilometers outside of Kigali.

Lewis Hamilton suggested back in August that now is the perfect moment for a return to Africa, and he is collaborating behind the scenes with Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

The seven-time world champion commented, “The timing is absolutely right. We can’t keep adding races in various locations while overlooking Africa, a continent exploited by the rest of the world without giving anything substantial in return.”

“Having a Grand Prix on the continent would truly highlight its splendor and bolster tourism and other opportunities. It’s high time we recognized Africa.”

‘Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa, and Suzuka

This week marks the inaugural occasion for the FIA’s general assemblies being held on African soil, where FIA’s Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister, Richard Nyirihishema, gathered in Kigali.

Ben Sulayem remarked, “Being in Rwanda for such a significant point in the FIA’s calendar highlights the strength of this nation, particularly its growing influence in motorsport.”

“We share mutual values and goals across essential areas such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”

“The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”

Verstappen is also becoming involved in “community service” in Rwanda following an incident during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in October.

This initiative includes the development of an FIA Affordable Cross Car designed locally in Rwanda, based on designs provided by the governing body.

F1 2025 grid

Here are the driver lineups confirmed for the F1 2025 season so far:

Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz

Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan

RB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBC

Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon