Formula 1 Returns to Africa: Rwanda to Host African Grand Prix from Early 2030s
Formula 1 will return to Africa after more than three decades, with Rwanda set to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s under a new 10-year deal announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The last F1 race on the continent was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame made the announcement at a ceremony at BK Arena in Kigali, alongside F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The race will take place on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers south of Kigali and next to the new Bugesera international airport. The track, designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz’s firm, will be roughly six kilometers long with 17 corners and 197 meters of elevation gain, and will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” Domenicali said. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent.” President Kagame said the 10-year partnership will bring jobs, skills, tourism, and business to Rwanda for decades to come.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long campaigned for an African Grand Prix, reaffirmed the need for a race in Africa during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Rwanda first formally announced its bid in December 2024.
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