Buckle up, motorsports fans! Rwanda has officially announced its intention to host a Formula One Grand Prix, potentially bringing the high-octane world of F1 back to Africa for the first time in over three decades.
President Paul Kagame made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the FIA General Assembly held in Kigali.
This move aligns with Rwanda’s wider strategy of leveraging sports tourism and global exposure to drive economic growth. However, some critics view it as “sportwashing,” a tactic of using prestigious events to mask human rights concerns.
Rwanda’s bid has been met with enthusiasm within F1 circles. CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged discussions with the country, highlighting Kigali’s “serious” proposal for a permanent racetrack.
This announcement is likely to please seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a vocal advocate for an African Grand Prix. Hamilton has previously expressed his support for Rwanda’s bid, calling the nation “one of my favourite places.”
Whether Rwanda crosses the finish line with this ambitious project remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the roar of F1 engines could soon reverberate across the African continent once again.
