Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time in more than three decades with a Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s, the sport’s governing body confirmed.
The FIA, which has committed to a 10-year race deal, linked the move to expanding the global reach of F1, highlighting the “exciting growth opportunities” of the continent’s young fan base.
After Rwanda beat South Africa to the honor of hosting a Grand Prix, President Paul Kagame said at the launch in the capital, Kigali, that “today belongs to Africa.” The race forms a significant addition to Rwanda’s growing portfolio of international events as it raises its global investment and tourism profile.
But rights group Amnesty International has accused the FIA of handing the country a “sportwashing prize.” It accuses the authorities of arbitrary detention and torture of opponents, as well as stoking conflict in neighboring DR Congo — all of which Kigali denies.
— Damian Zane