F1 announces long-term race deal in Rwanda, marking return to Africa

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 11:08 PM

Last updated Oct 13, 2026

F1 announces long-term race deal in Rwanda, marking return to Africa
Summary

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time in over 30 years, with Rwanda hosting an African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s. The country will construct a race track in Bugesera, south of Kigali, as part of a 10-year agreement. F1 president Stefano Domenicali highlighted the significance of this move in expanding the sport's global reach, emphasizing that Africa has always been part of F1's future plans. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted the event's ambition to inspire new generations and enhance accessibility in motorsport across the continent. Previous talks for a return to Africa included potential races in South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco, but they ultimately did not materialize.

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  • •F1 last raced in Africa in 1993 at the South African Grand Prix.
  • •Rwanda's new track will serve as an event space year-round.
  • •The agreement is part of F1's commitment to creating a legacy in Africa.
  • •Lewis Hamilton has advocated for F1's return to Africa for years.
  • •More than 100 million fans in Africa follow Formula 1.
Latest Updates
  • 11:08 PMYahoo Sports — Lewis Hamilton's dream comes to fruition: F1 returning to Africa
What they're saying
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Lewis Hamilton has long-advocated for Formula 1 to return to Africa and he gets his wish via an announcement that Rwanda will host a race for 10 years.

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