The agreement was announced on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at a ceremony in Kigali attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The announcement marks a significant step towards bringing the sport back to a continent that has been absent from the Formula One calendar for more than three decades.
New circuit planned near Kigali
The circuit is expected to be developed to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 standards, the highest classification required to host Formula One races. The project is part of Rwanda’s broader plans to attract international sporting events, boost tourism and encourage investment.
The first Grand Prix will be staged once construction of the circuit is completed. However, Formula One has not yet confirmed the exact date of the inaugural race, and further details about construction milestones and the race weekend are expected to be announced later.
Rwanda welcomes return of Formula One to Africa
President Kagame described the agreement as a milestone for the continent, highlighting the opportunity to bring the championship closer to African fans and create opportunities for young people.
Formula One’s leadership also welcomed the agreement, with Domenicali describing Africa as an important part of the championship’s future. The sport says the project is intended to support tourism, attract investment, develop local talent and create opportunities for communities and businesses.
Lewis Hamilton has championed an African Grand Prix
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for Formula One to return to Africa. Speaking about the prospect at the Singapore Grand Prix last week, the Ferrari driver reiterated his support for a race on the continent.
Hamilton has argued that Africa should be represented on the championship calendar, and he has publicly urged Formula One leadership to make the return possible.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has also expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, while noting that the project’s progress would need to be followed.
Formula One’s first African race since 1993
Formula One last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg. Rwanda’s agreement will therefore end a long absence for the continent from the championship.
Morocco also hosted a Formula One World Championship race in 1958, while South Africa staged multiple Grands Prix before the final race in 1993.
The planned African Grand Prix will give African fans a chance to experience Formula One at home and could help Rwanda strengthen its position as a host of major international sporting events.
With the 10-year agreement now announced, attention turns to delivering the new circuit and confirming when the first race will take place.
