F1 Is Going Back to Africa: Rwanda Reportedly Lands a 2030 Grand Prix
It’s been 33 years since an F1 car last raced in Africa. That gap may finally be closing.
According to reports, Formula 1 is close to a deal for a brand-new Rwanda Grand Prix, targeted for the 2030 calendar. An official announcement is expected soon, possibly before the end of this year. Until then, it’s still reported rather than confirmed.
The last African Grand Prix
The most recent F1 race on the continent was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, won by Alain Prost. Since then, Africa has been the only inhabited continent without a round on the calendar.
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Why Rwanda?
President Paul Kagame has driven the bid for years. In 2024, Kigali hosted the FIA General Assemblies and Prize Giving Ceremony, and Kagame used that stage to confirm Rwanda’s plans to chase a Grand Prix. At the time, many in the paddock were sceptical because the country had no suitable circuit. That’s now being addressed. Reports say a permanent track will be built about 40 km outside Kigali.
Rivals did exist: Kyalami and Cape Town in South Africa, plus Morocco and Nigeria, have all shown interest. Rwanda appears to have moved fastest.
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Hamilton’s mission
Lewis Hamilton has been the loudest voice for an African race. He says he has been working behind the scenes for six or seven years and has called Rwanda “particularly stunning.” He has also said he won’t retire until F1 races in Africa. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have both backed the cause. Even David Coulthard has hinted that an Africa announcement is on the way.
Why it matters
Global reach: A whole continent of new fans, sponsors and broadcast audiences.
Tourism and economy: Rwanda has built its brand around tourism and major international events.
Grassroots impact: A top-level race could inspire African drivers, engineers and mechanics.
The Challenges
Building a Grade 1 circuit, plus the hotels, roads, logistics and medical facilities around it, is a huge task. Some fans will also feel a return to historic Kyalami would be more fitting, and there is debate over whether F1 is putting hosting fees ahead of heritage. Others argue Africa deserves more than one race.
The Bottom Line
If the reports are right, 2030 will end a 37-year absence from Africa and give F1 a whole new chapter. We’ll update this story as soon as the official word drops.
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