Rwanda to host F1’s first race in Africa since 1993

Rwanda signs a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s".

By Andrew Benson · BBC Sport

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 9:20 AM

Key Things to Know

Rwanda signed a 10-year contract to host Formula 1 races starting in the early 2030s.
The grand prix will mark Formula 1's first event on the African continent since 1993.
The circuit in Bugesera was designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement with Formula 1 to host a grand prix starting in the early 2030s. The event will take place on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, located 25 miles south of Kigali near the new international airport. It will mark the championship's first race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, fulfilling F1's ambition to compete across every inhabited continent.

The circuit design is being led by former driver Alex Wurz alongside WurzDesign, Tilke, and DAR. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and F1 President Stefano Domenicali hailed the partnership, though the event is likely to face opposition from human rights groups over sportswashing allegations.

Read the full article on BBC Sport

Rwanda to host F1’s first race in Africa since 1993

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