The echoes of bringing motorsport’s premier racing competition, F1, back to Africa have been getting louder. The last time the race was held in the continent was 33 years ago, 1993, in Kyalami, South Africa.
However, with growing awareness about the Euro and America-centric approach to sports, and inclusivity, calls of integrating Africa into global sporting events have become louder. South Africa and Rwanda are vying to host F1, but who will get the rights?
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Rwanda’s Chances of Hosting F1
Rwanda has strategically been working to position itself as Africa’s premier sporting destination. The country referred to as ‘’Land of a Thousand Hills’’ was ravished by the 1994 genocide has rebuilt and transformed itself into a powerhouse, under the leadership of Paul Kagame.
Since 2020, it has successfully hosted the Basketball Africa League (BAL) at the 10,000 seater BK Arena, at the country’s capital Kigali. Additionally, Rwanda launched an ambitious tourism campaign, Visit Rwanda, to promote the country as a travel destination, has secured partnerships with global brands like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris-Saint Germain.
In December 2024, the country hosted the F1 annual award ceremony, the first time the event was hosted in Africa. In the same month, President Paul Kagame formerly announced the country’s bid to host the event.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix,’’ Kagame said.
“A big thank you to [F1 president] Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far. I assure you we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.” he added.
Does Rwanda Have an F1 Track?
To support its ambitious plan, Rwanda plans to construct a 25 kilometres track from Kigali, and embrace the country’s hilly terrain, to deliver a fast, flowing layout around the forests and lake. The track was designed by former Benetton driver Alexander Wurz.
However, Rwanda has to fulfill stringent FIA (International Automobile Federation) rules and regulations. Apart from that, this will be a massive economic undertaking, and could cost the country of around $270 million.
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South Africa’s Case for F1 Hosting Rights
South Africa is not new to hosting F1 races. Between 1967 and 1993, it hosted 23 races at the Kyalami circuit. However, the country was stripped off the rights due to several factors including its apartheid policy, and lack of finances to put together an event.
However, the country is eager to bring the event back to Africa. South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is pushing for a bid to get support to host the event he says will boost the country’s economy, and boost the tourism sector. Furthermore, McKenzie says it would cost the country about $106 million.
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South Africa has hosted several global sports events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Cricket World Cup.
What Are F1 Drivers Saying?
British driver Lewis Hamilton has been the most vocal advocate for bringing the grand prix back to Africa. He said that Africa can’t be ignored anymore.
“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said Hamilton at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
“Why are we not on that continent? The current excuse is that maybe there’s not a track that’s ready, but there is at least one track that’s ready there. And in the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar and then work on building out something moving forward.’’
Dutch driver and F1 Champion Max Verstappen said: “I would like to race in Africa. We’re very excited to be on that road.”
“Africa deserves a F1 event and Rwanda is the best place,” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.
Who do you think will get the F1 hosting right?
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