Formula One returns to Africa

Available for over a year

Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s". The event - to be called the African Grand Prix - will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of the capital Kigali and next to the city's new international airport. It will be the first F1 race in Africa since 1993. A statement from F1 said the project came as a result of "years of collaboration to ensure the right foundations, with the best partner, are in place to deliver a successful, sustainable and world-class grand prix for generations to come". Africa's only ever F1 World Champion Jody Schekter and Zimbabwean GT racer Axcil Jeffries told Newsday’s Isaac Fanin about the growth of the sport on the continent. Photo: A rendering of a circuit to announce a Formula 1 race to be hosted in Rwanda from the 2030s is seen on a screen during a Formula 1 announcement at BK Arena on October 13, 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. (Credit: Formula 1 via Getty Images)