Formula 1 returns to African soil as Rwanda secures a 10-year deal

Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting in the early 2030’s.

The last F1 race on African soil took place at Kyalami in Johannesburg in 1993.

SPORTS | F1 analyst Sasha Martinengo says South Africa’s hopes of hosting a Formula One race remain alive — but only if government steps up.

He believes the Minister of Sport should push harder to secure the deal. https://t.co/64cip6VxWt — SABC News (@SABCNews) March 6, 2026 The race will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 40 kilometres south of its capital, Kigali, and next to the city’s new international airport.

The circuit was designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz.

In a statement, F1 said it hopes the race will provide an opportunity for the sport to expand its profile in a relatively unexplored market in Africa, compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas.

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