A Grand Prix in true African style

Michele Lupini criticizes Formula 1 and Liberty Media for pursuing a Grand Prix in Rwanda, arguing the move represents sportswashing by an authoritarian regime. Lupini highlights human rights concerns and United Nations reports regarding Rwanda's military actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contrasting the nation's direct sovereign backing with South Africa's failed attempts to secure a race on the Formula 1 calendar.

Lupini outlines how various South African bids collapsed due to bureaucratic hurdles, legal tender requirements, and commercial complications, including Toby Venter's Kyalami circuit, a proposed Cape Town street race, and Neal Froneman's Malmesbury project. Lupini argues that while South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie faced domestic regulatory deadlocks, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame quickly secured the event via state decree.