Formula 1 is reportedly slated to return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, following an official announcement regarding a new Grand Prix in Rwanda. The parties have allegedly signed a ten-year contract to host the event under the banner of the African Grand Prix, though the actual races are not expected to take place until the early 2030s due to a complete lack of suitable local racing infrastructure.

Because no operational circuit currently exists, the Rwandan regime plans to construct a brand-new track in Bugesera, located southeast of the capital Kigali. F1 leadership claims the facility will be ready early in the next decade. F1 President Stefano Domenicali reportedly praised the agreement as a milestone that will bring the championship to every inhabited continent. However, observers remain skeptical about the timeline and the immense financial expenditures required for such a high-profile venture.

The initiative is heavily driven by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has maintained power for 25 years. The 68-year-old leader has heavily invested in international sports partnerships, including previous sponsorship deals with prominent European football clubs and US sports franchises. Critics have frequently condemned these heavy-spending campaigns as sportswashing, pointing to recent public backlashes and cancelled agreements with European tourism boards over human rights concerns.

Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long advocated for an African round of the championship, claiming he has lobbied behind the scenes for years. With the exact race calendar still unconfirmed, it remains doubtful whether the 41-year-old British driver will prolong his racing career long enough to compete in the inaugural Rwandan event.

Source: www.dw.com