Rwanda targets 2029 for potential Formula 1 Grand Prix, reveals development board CEO

Rwanda is actively pursuing a Formula 1 race, with the country's development chief targeting 2029 as a potential debut year and outlining plans to build a new city around the event. Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, confirmed negotiations are progressing as part of a broader vision to attract global business leaders and high-net-worth individuals through the sport.

Why it matters:

A Grand Prix in Rwanda would mark F1's long-awaited return to the African continent, which hasn't hosted a race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. The move represents a significant shift in the sport's geographical expansion, targeting economic development and global prestige for a nation, aligning with calls from figures like Lewis Hamilton for F1 to return to Africa.

The details:

• Jean-Guy Afrika stated, "We’re in the race to possibly hold a Formula One event here in 2029," linking the project to the development of a new international airport.
• The plan involves using the airport project as a catalyst to "develop an entirely new city," with the F1 circuit and associated recreational facilities integrated into the blueprint.
• Afrika emphasized F1's appeal lies in its audience, calling it "the sport of global CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals," indicating a strategy focused on business tourism and investment.
• While the primary focus is F1, discussions also include the potential for hosting feeder series like Formula 2 and Formula 3, suggesting a comprehensive motorsport strategy.

The big picture:

Rwanda is not alone in its African F1 ambitions. The report also notes interest from Nigeria, where the National Sports Commission is exploring a street circuit in the capital, Abuja. This indicates a growing continental competition to host a Grand Prix, potentially setting the stage for a race to secure the coveted spot on the F1 calendar. The sport's management has consistently expressed a desire to return to Africa, making these developments a critical step toward that goal.

What's next:

While 2029 is the target, securing a Grand Prix involves complex negotiations with Formula One Management, circuit construction, and calendar logistics. Afrika's comments to "watch this space" for "nice surprises in the near future" suggest more concrete announcements could be forthcoming. The success of this ambitious project will depend on finalizing agreements, financing the large-scale infrastructure, and demonstrating Rwanda's capability to host a global event of this magnitude.