F1 has been discussing hosting a Grand Prix in Africa for some time. South Africa was the favourite to host the race. However, discussions with the country that last hosted a race in 1993 have been muted. It now looks as if Rwanda could be the favourite.
F1 has been keen to add an African race to the calendar. The FIA hosted its post-season prize-giving award ceremony in Rwanda last Friday. At the ceremony, the bid to bring the pinnacle of motorsport back to Africa was revealed.
President of Rwanda confirms F1 bid
The Rwandan president confirmed the bid to hold an F1 race at the ceremony held in the capital Kigali. Paul Kagame announced: “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix. A big thank you to [F1 president] Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far.”
Could F1 return to Africa in the form of a Rwanda Grand Prix? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/FdLoEdOjCc
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 13, 2024
Former McLaren and Williams driver Alex Wurz has been designing the track for over a year. He is also responsible for designing the new purpose-built circuit for Saudi Arabia, which should host races from 2029.
Africa is currently the only continent not hosting a race. In recent years, F1 has added two races in America and confirmed Madrid will replace Barcelona. However, the FIA is keen to expand to Africa, a move backed by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. It looks like it will only be a matter of time before F1 heads to a race in Africa.
Why is South Africa struggling to host a GP
South Africa last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993, won by four-time world champion Alain Prost. They have been looking to return to the grid for some time but have failed to complete talks with F1. The main stumbling block is the grade of the circuit.
The current grade of the track is only level 2. To host an F1 race, it must be level 1. To reach the level 1 grade, the track must upgrade its spectator facilities and run-off areas to be signed off by the FIA. There are reports that talks collapsed because of greed from the local promoters.
Lewis Hamilton is on a mission to bring F1 back to Africa 🌍 pic.twitter.com/rgzHcwfmCe
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 7, 2024
However, South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie is still targeting the country to host a race starting in the 2027 season. It has already been announced the Dutch Grand Prix will host its final race in the 2026 season. The long-term future of Imola is also in doubt, so spots on the calendar are opening up for both South Africa and Rwanda.
