Formula 1 might soon return to African soil, with Rwanda showing serious interest in hosting a Grand Prix.
- Stefano Domenicali has confirmed a key meeting in September to discuss the potential race in Rwanda.
- The sport’s popularity surge has prompted new locations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Miami, and Las Vegas.
- Despite these additions, Formula 1 has not raced in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
- Leading drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have both expressed the importance of an African race.
Formula 1 fans, get ready for the possibility of racing action back on African soil! Stefano Domenicali, the F1 boss, has shared that Rwanda is showing ‘serious’ interest in hosting a Grand Prix. A key meeting is set for late September to delve into the specifics of this ambitious project.
The growing popularity of Formula 1 has seen several new races popping up around the globe, with recent additions including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Miami, and Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Spanish Grand Prix is slated for a move to Madrid in 2026.
However, Africa has remained off the F1 map since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been vocal about the necessity of an African race. Hamilton has expressed a strong personal connection, stating, ‘The place that I really feel, to my heart, is most important to me is to get a race back in South Africa. I think it would be great to highlight how beautiful the motherland is.’ Verstappen echoed this sentiment, ‘I really think we need a race in Africa. We basically race on every other continent already, so I think that’s the next step for Formula 1.’
Initially, Kyalami was considered for the F1 return, but now attention has shifted to Rwanda. Domenicali confirmed the project’s seriousness, stating, ‘They are serious. They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be on a permanent track.’ He emphasized the need for the right investment and strategic plan to make it happen.
Besides Rwanda, Thailand is also in the mix, with Domenicali planning to meet officials in Bangkok post the Singapore Grand Prix to explore their options. Interestingly, Rwanda is already hosting two major FIA events in 2024 – the FIA Annual General Assembly and the Prize Giving Ceremony in Kigali this December.
Rwanda’s potential entry into the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant step towards bringing racing back to Africa.
Source: Planetf1
