'It's about time!' - F1 drivers excited amid Rwanda GP rumours

There is growing speculation that Africa could return to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 1993 with a race in Rwanda; watch Practice at 9.30am followed by Sprint Qualifying at 1.30pm on Friday live on Sky Sports F1 as the Singapore Grand Prix weekend begins

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell have expressed their excitement at the possibility of Rwanda hosting a Formula 1 race amid speculation the African nation could soon be added to the sport's calendar.

With Africa not having hosted an F1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, Hamilton has been pushing hard over the last few years for the continent to return to the F1 schedule.

Several reports on Thursday claim an agreement has been struck and that an announcement could be made as soon as next week to confirm Rwanda's addition to the calendar for the 2030 season.

Asked about the speculation ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "I haven't really got any news for you. I saw something on people posting online, but I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa.

"It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, the most beautiful continent. We're on all the other continents but that one and there should be no reason for it."

Hamilton has repeatedly publicly encouraged F1 president Stefano Domenicali to prioritise adding a race in Africa, and the seven-time world champion is pleased with the Italian's efforts.

"It is something I've been pushing for in the background, and Stefano has been amazing," Hamilton added.

"He's flown to Africa so many times over the last couple of years, speaking to lots and lots of different people, so I hope that he has some news for me soon."

Formula 1 already has a packed 24-race schedule confirmed for 2027, but the hosting deals of several of the circuits on next year's calendar expire before 2030.

Portugal is returning as a host in 2027 but has just a two-year deal, while races in Mexico and Singapore are only currently agreed until 2028, and the Japanese Grand Prix is only confirmed until 2029.

Mercedes driver Russell said: "I would be very excited if these rumours were to come true.

"I was in Africa earlier this year and I really, really loved my time there.

"Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Africa is the only continent we don't race on, and it's about time we had a race there."