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Rwanda Formula 1 Grand Prix agreement

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2026-10-23 08:43 UTC → 2026-10-25 09:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Formula 1 and the FIA have entered a ten-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda, marking the sport’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993. The inaugural ~~race~~ race, officially titled the “Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda,” is slated for the early ~~2030s,~~ 2030s. The event is contingent upon the construction of a dedicated FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, south of Kigali, designed by Alex Wurz. The proposed site is located near the country’s new international airport. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the announcement as a “historic moment” that allows the sport to reach every continent, noting that Africa represents a significant growth opportunity with over 100 million fans. Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized that the ten-year alliance is an investment in the country's future, intended to drive tourism, infrastructure, and economic growth. To facilitate the project, the Rwanda Development Board has partnered with the Raffles Family Office, an Asian multi-family office managing approximately $35 billion in assets. This partnership seeks to mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars in private foreign investment from ultra-high-net-worth individuals across Asia and Africa, targeting sectors such as hospitality, real estate, infrastructure, and the RISE Motordrome project. While ~~Formula 1~~ leadership ~~and Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized the deal’s potential to drive tourism, investment, and skills,~~ highlights economic potential, the announcement has faced scrutiny. Amnesty International has labeled the partnership a “sports-washing prize,” suggesting the event may be used to deflect attention from domestic issues like the repression of free speech. Additionally, the deal occurs amid regional tensions regarding allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025, expressed enthusiasm, stating it has been his “dream” to race in Africa and noting the event might motivate him to extend his career into his mid-forties. ~~While celebrating the return, Hamilton acknowledged human rights concerns regarding Rwanda, noting that such issues should be approached with humility and not overlooked.~~

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