Rwanda has submitted its official bid to host a Formula 1 grand prix, the country’s President Paul Kagame said during the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali.
F1 is keen to hold a race in Africa and talks with Rwanda have been known about for some months. The FIA, F1’s governing body, has hosted its general assembly and prize giving in the Rwandan capital Kigali, and Kagame chose its opening to put his official seal on the grand prix project.
Kagame said: “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. 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.”
If a deal can be agreed, the race would be held on a new track planned close to the new Bugesera airport, outside Kigali. The track designer is Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.Wurz is also designing the new Qiddiyah track in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to finished in 2028 and host a grand prix in 2029.
F1 had previously tried to revive a grand prix in South Africa at the Kyalami track, which last hosted a grand prix in 1993, but talks collapsed over problems with the local promoter. The Rwanda project is now considered the most likely for an African grand prix but the project remains unconfirmed.
Ben Sulayem said: “We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”
Hamilton, who has previously visited Rwanda, expressed his personal connection to the country and its potential role in the F1 calendar.
“Rwanda is one of my favorite places. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it. I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda; I’ve spoken to people in South Africa. That’s a longer project, Rwanda. But it’s amazing that they’re so keen to be a part of It.” he said.
The FIA Awards attracted over 800 delegates, mainly heads of motorsport federations and drivers, from across the globe. It also marked the closing of the FIA General Assembly which took place in Kigali from December 10-13.
President Paul Kagame on Thursday, December 12, welcomed delegates who are in Kigali for the FIA General Assembly and FIA Awards 2024 to a cocktail reception held at Kigali Convention Centre.
In his welcome remarks, Kagame commended FIA and its president Mohammed Sulayem for bringing the high level meeting to Kigali and Africa for the first time.
“I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, FIA and Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his team, for putting all these together and doing Rwanda proud. We appreciate that and I hope for all the time you are going to be here, you are going to enjoy your stay,” Kagame said.
As 2024 marks the FIA’s 120th year, and the Awards served as a golden occasion to celebrate what was dubbed “120 Years of Legends” as the sport’s brightest stars – from grassroots to the pinnacle of road, off-road, and circuit – and motor sport’s most renowned personalities come together to celebrate achievements past and present.
Hosted in collaboration with Visit Rwanda and Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), the event celebrated the world of motorsport honoring top drivers, constructors, and teams from F1, World Rally, Endurance, Karting, and Rallycross.
Red Bull star driver Max Verstappen was named Formula One 2024 world champion at the glamorous end-of-season prize giving gala held at BK Arena in Kigali on Friday, December 13.
Verstappen received the trophy from President Paul Kagame as the Formula One champion, beating McLaren star Lando Norris and Frenchman Charles Lecrerc (Ferrari) who emerged second and third respectively.
A Catalyst for Tourism
Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix presents an excellent opportunity to promote tourism in the country. The race will attract global attention, showcasing Rwanda’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern developments. The scenic location of the proposed track, with its hilly terrain and proximity to the lake, will provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors. This exposure can help change perceptions about Africa and encourage more tourists to explore the continent.
Visit Rwanda had showcased its unique and sustainable tourism experiences at the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024 which took place over the weekend in Doha, Qatar, which took places from the 29th of November to the 1st of December 2024
Rwanda’s booth was located in the F1 FanZone, where F1 fans came through to see Rwanda’s vibrant culture, warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes and taste Rwandan coffee and tea.
President Paul Kagame attended the race at the Losail International Circuit, alongside his host, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Rustam Minnikhanov of Tatarstan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
Other officials who attended the race which was was won by champion Max Verstappen, included Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of the Formula 1 World Championship, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation, Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), a number of heads of federations.
Visit Rwanda’s presence at the Qatar Grand Prix was built upon the country’s sports tourism initiatives, strengthening cultural and economic ties between Rwanda and Qatar while showcasing both nations’ commitment to high-end, sustainable tourism experiences.
