Formula 1 announces return to Africa with Grand Prix in Rwanda in early 2030s

Formula 1 will return to Africa with a grand prix in Rwanda starting early next decade once a new track has been built southeast of the capital, F1 and the country’s president said Tuesday.

The announcement of a 10-year-deal to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda comes after a campaign by President Paul Kagame to bring F1 to the continent for the first time since 1993.

“This partnership is long overdue,” Kagame said at a launch event in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. “But it is a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans. Ultimately, what we want is for the African Grand Prix to pave the way for other races to be hosted on the continent.”

Racing in Africa will fulfil a long-held ambition for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1. The 41-year-old British driver has said he has been “fighting in the background” for years to have a race in Africa.

Exactly when the first race will be held in Rwanda remains unclear. F1 said a purpose-built circuit was expected to be completed “early in the next decade” in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Kigali.

The…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports