Confirmed: F1 will return to Africa with a 10-year contract

F1 continues its expansion. In recent years, especially since 2021, with the exciting fight for the F1 World Cup between Verstappen and Hamilton, and the ‘boom’ of interest generated by the F1 Netflix series, the Great Circus has increased its dissemination throughout the world and has conquered markets that until now resisted it, such as the United States, with up to three races there today. But He needed a career in Africa to be present on all continents. And this Tuesday, F1 made its return there official.

There will be African Grand Prix in Rwanda (on a new circuit in construction in Bugesera) in the 2030swith contract with F1 for 10 yearsalthough they have not yet specified the specific year of its arrival on the calendar.

For years there has been speculation about the possibility that F1 will return to the African continent, which hosted its last race on March 14, 1993, in Kyalami (South Africa), with victory of Alain Prost facing Ayrton Senna. More than three decades later (almost four), F1 will return to Africa, something one of the sport’s biggest stars, Lewis Hamilton, has publicly pushed for for years.

Hamilton’s wish comes true

“Formula 1 has to become a sport that goes somewhere and leaves something that can really help communities and I think, first of all, returning attention to Africa and highlighting the beautiful place it is, I think it is the most important location we have to go to,” said the now Ferrari driver already in 2020. “Grand Prix should be held where it’s not just about money, it should also be about people, but in business that’s not always the case, so it’s something I’m pushing for.”he pointed out at that time, making it clear that the highest category of world motorsport had to be moved by principles and not just by money.

And in later years, he repeated this idea. “To have a full world championship, we should compete in Africa again,” he said in 2021. And finally, he can smile. It will come true.

Circuit under construction, in Bugesera

There were several possible scenarios. There was talk of the return of F1 to South Africa or the possibilities of Morocco or Rwanda. And finally, this last option has prevailed.

“Formula 1 has announced a historic ten-year agreement to bring the FIA ​​Formula 1 World Championship back to Africa. “The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will join the calendar in the early 2030s.”announces the F1 statement issued this Tuesday.

“The agreement marks a defining moment in the history of Formula 1 and will allow the sport to return to the African continent for the first time since 1993. Racing in Africa has been a long-standing ambition for Formula 1, and today’s announcement is the result of years of collaboration to ensure that the right conditions are in place, together with the right partner, to organize a successful, sustainable and world-class Grand Prix for generations to come,” the text adds.

According to F1the first race in the country will be held once the new specifically built circuit is completed in Bugesera (Rwanda)whose inauguration is scheduled for the beginning of the next decade.

“Additional details regarding the opening race date, circuit development milestones and plans for the competition weekend will be announced later,” F1 said.

More than a race: a boost for the territory

According to F1, this project is part of a much larger one for the promotion and development of the area, “as part of a broader sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board“.

The track will be located about 40 kilometers south of Kigali and close to the new Kigali International Airport and its design has been designed “to integrate harmoniously into the natural landscape and take advantage of the area’s elevation changes to offer a unique and demanding racing experience, while providing excellent opportunities for fans to enjoy the spectacle.”

Furthermore, F1 clarifies that the circuit is not only built for this competition, but is designed to function as an active destination throughout the yearwith the capacity to host international motorsport competitions, large events, conferences and shows. “In this way, it will contribute to boosting long-term economic growth and investment throughout the region,” the text adds.

In this way, F1 also wants to increase its international expansion and reach new audiences. “The announcement reflects Formula 1’s continued commitment to expanding its global reach and connecting with new audiences around the world. Africa represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities for the sport, with more than 100 million fans already following Formula 1 across the continent and almost 60% of fans in key markets in sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 35,” he explains.

And as Lewis asked hamilton In its desire to promote an F1 career, the competition highlights that “the project aims to leave a lasting legacy by boosting tourism, attracting investment, developing local talent and creating new opportunities for communities and businesses“. That is, it is not only about competing, but about leaving a legacy that goes beyond sport, as requested by the seven-time king of F1.

“Formula 1, the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board share the vision of building an event that generates significant economic and social impact, while inspiring future generations across the continent,” explains F1.

“This ten-year partnership is also an investment in the future of Rwanda. The Bugesera circuit, together with the new international airport, will generate jobs, knowledge, tourism and new business opportunities for our country and our region for decades. Our objective was never to hold a single race weekend, but to provide lasting benefits to our population,” highlighted Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.

“This agreement also seeks to create a lasting legacy, inspire new generations, develop talent and open new opportunities for motorsport in Africa and beyond,” he said. the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

“Improving accessibility is one of the pillars of the FIA’s mission, and “We have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at all levels, reach new communities and create opportunities for people from all corners of the world,” added the president of the FIA.

“It goes far beyond organizing a Grand Prix”

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, wanted to highlight the same idea.

“This goes far beyond organizing a Grand Prix. Together we can generate lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, the development of professional competitions and the growth of local businesses, ensuring that the positive impact of this event lasts for generations,” said the Italian.

“For our fans, this is a particularly exciting time. Africa has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We bring the excitement, energy and spectacle of Formula 1 to millions of people who have long been awaiting the return of our sport to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together,” said Domenicali.