Brief
Rwanda announces new African Grand Prix with 10‑year deal
President Paul Kagame confirmed a 10‑year agreement for a purpose‑built F1 circuit south of Kigali, with Lewis Hamilton among its vocal supporters.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced a 10‑year contract for a new Formula 1 "African Grand Prix" during a press event in Kigali on Tuesday, according to the Independent.
What happened
The announcement detailed a purpose‑built circuit designed by former driver Alex Wurz, measuring 6 km with 17 corners and an elevation gain of 197 metres per lap. Construction will take place in the Bugesera region, about 40 miles (approximately 64 km) south of Kigali, adjacent to the new international airport. The inaugural race date was not disclosed; Formula 1 said the contract will commence "in the early 2030s."
What the reports add
The Independent noted that Lewis Hamilton, whose father is of Afro‑Grenadian descent, has been the sport's most vocal proponent of an African race, describing Rwanda as "particularly stunning" and a place he could live. The outlet also mentioned that Fernando Alonso has shown that drivers can compete into their mid‑40s, raising questions about Hamilton's ability to race when the event begins. South Africa’s minister for sport, Gayton McKenzie, warned that a Rwandan race does not end hopes for reviving the Kyalami circuit or a Cape Town street race, though the Independent said talks with South Africa have stalled.
What was said
Lewis Hamilton told the Independent, "Rwanda is particularly stunning and a place I felt like I could live," highlighting his personal affinity for the country. Kagame’s remarks were limited to the contractual announcement; the article did not quote him directly.
How it came about
The plan follows Rwanda’s earlier bid to host a Grand Prix, first raised when the FIA held its end‑of‑season gala in Kigali two years ago. The Independent linked the new contract to Rwanda’s broader strategy of using high‑profile sport to boost its international image, noting past criticism from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch over the country’s human‑rights record.
Key facts
- Rwanda signed a 10‑year contract to host a Formula 1 African Grand Prix. (independent.co.uk)
- The circuit will be 6 km long, have 17 corners and 197 metres of elevation gain per lap. (independent.co.uk)
- Construction is planned in Bugesera, about 40 miles south of Kigali, near the new airport. (independent.co.uk)
- The inaugural race is expected in the early 2030s, with no exact date given. (independent.co.uk)
- Lewis Hamilton praised Rwanda as "particularly stunning" and expressed personal affinity. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The real details and dilemmas behind F1’s ‘African Grand Prix’ in Rwanda”
