Formula 1 Set to Race on All Six Inhabited Continents With Rwanda Grand Prix

^{Stefano Domenicali at a ceremony in Kigali announcing Formula 1’s return to Africa}

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time since 1993. According to the championship’s official website, organizers have signed a 10-year agreement to stage a Grand Prix in Rwanda, with the inaugural race planned for the early 2030s.

The agreement was announced on October 13 in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The ceremony was attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

A new racing circuit will be built near an international airport in Rwanda. The track will incorporate the area’s natural elevation changes to make racing more challenging and exciting.

The circuit will meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest classification required to host Formula 1 races. Beyond the Grand Prix, the venue is expected to host other motorsport competitions, conferences, and entertainment events. The exact date of the first race will depend on the completion of construction.

Rwanda has previously hosted several major international sporting events, including the UCI Road World Championships, Basketball Africa League games, the FIFA Congress in 2023, and FIA events in 2024.

President Paul Kagame said the project is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and attract investment. He also hopes hosting Formula 1 will open up new opportunities for young Africans in motorsport, whether as engineers, technical specialists, entrepreneurs, or eventually racing drivers.

The last Formula 1 race on the African continent took place at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg, South Africa.

Stefano Domenicali noted that Formula 1’s return to Africa will mean the championship once again holds races on all six inhabited continents.