Rwanda a strong contender against South Africa, Morocco in bid to host African Grand Prix

Rwanda’s ambitious bid to host a Formula 1 event has ignited competition among three contenders, signaling the potential for the first Grand Prix on the African continent since 1993. Alongside Rwanda, South Africa and Morocco, both of which have previously hosted the event, are also in the running.

Currently, Africa has no Formula 1 events, and Rwanda is seizing the moment after discovering last year that South Africa, which was expected to be part of the 2024 calendar, faced exclusion due to its alleged support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

In response, Kigali quickly devised a plan, the specifics of which remain confidential. This strategy reportedly includes a roster of prominent Western politicians, sports celebrities, and lobbyists to bolster their bid.

Rwanda’s proposal encompasses substantial financial commitments for commercial and hosting rights, alongside architectural designs for a circuit near the upcoming Bugesera airport.

The East African country has capitalized on its sports sponsorship initiatives, particularly the “Visit Rwanda” tourism campaign, which has partnered with prestigious football clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. These collaborations helped Rwanda generate US$620 million in 2023, reflecting a 36 percent increase from the previous year.

Kigali has emphasized to Formula 1 that these achievements have positioned Rwanda among the key players in the global sports arena, transitioning from a spectator to an active participant in the sports business.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for Rwanda to comment on any ongoing discussions with Formula 1,” stated government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo, adding that Rwanda remains open to exploring global sporting partnerships to enhance its development.

Recent media reports quoted Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who noted that Rwanda is a serious contender for hosting, having submitted a strong proposal, with discussions planned for the end of September. However, Formula 1 executives have refrained from commenting on Rwanda’s prospects compared to South Africa and Morocco, which might invest less in infrastructure due to their existing Formula 1 tracks.

Domenicali previously mentioned to Motorsport.com that South Africa is under serious consideration, although he stressed the need for the right investment and strategic planning. He highlighted the importance of making informed choices regarding a potential new venue in Africa.

Industry experts suggest that Formula 1 is keeping its options open for a new venue partly because existing host nations are reluctant to relinquish their slots for a new location. They also pointed out that an increase in races could impose additional demands on teams and drivers, particularly World Champion Max Verstappen, who has voiced concerns about the already crowded schedule featuring 24 events over nine months.

“I cannot sit here and say it will be this or that country,” remarked Anton Roux, chairman of Motorsport South Africa (MSA), which is leading efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the Kyalami circuit in Midrand, Gauteng, for the first time since 1993. Roux expressed optimism that Kyalami could host a Grand Prix within the next three years, as the circuit requires only minor modifications.

Morocco is another contender, with its Tangier circuit last hosting an event in 1958. The country is eager for a return, inspired by the popularity of Formula 1 in Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.

However, Formula 1 executives have not provided a timeline for announcing a new host nation. Of the eight countries vying for events, only four—Rwanda, South Africa, Morocco, and Colombia—have yet to host a Formula 1 race, while Hungary, Britain, and Turkey are lobbying for a second event.

Sports commentators suggest that if Rwanda secures the Grand Prix, it would not only be a significant achievement for the nation but also a boost for East Africa’s growing Formula 1 fanbase. This development would underscore Kigali’s increasing prominence in the global sports arena.

Rwanda is already set to host the 2025 UCI Road Cycling World Championship in Kigali, and the “Visit Rwanda” initiative is a founding sponsor of the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League. Additionally, Rwanda hosted the FIFA General Assembly last year.

In December, Kigali will welcome the international motorsport community for the annual FIA Prize Giving Ceremony, where this year’s champions and their vehicles will gather in Rwanda.

Rwanda would need to invest approximately US$270 million to design and construct a new Grand Prix track, with annual maintenance costs estimated at around US$18.5 million. Additional expenses for essential infrastructure, such as grandstands, safety barriers, parking lots, and race pits, could reach about US$30 million, along with logistics and accommodations for the anticipated 450,000 attendees.

As part of a push toward carbon neutrality, some circuits are also developing bicycle infrastructure for fans. Formula 1’s commercial rights owner, Liberty Media, imposes hosting and sponsorship fees that could reach up to US$55 million per race for nations like Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, depending on the duration of the Grand Prix contract.