The Newshound

Formula 1 is to return to Africa for the first time since 1993 with a Rwanda Grand Prix in the 'early 2030s'

A social media post announcing Formula 1's new Rwanda deal, with the circuit set to be built in Bugesera and backed by the state-run Visit Rwanda tourist board despite expected sportswashing criticism.
A social media post announcing Formula 1's new Rwanda deal, with the circuit set to be built in Bugesera and backed by the state-run Visit Rwanda tourist board despite expected sportswashing criticism.

Formula 1 has announced a landmark 10-year agreement to hold the African Grand Prix at Bugesera, Rwanda, bringing the sport back to the continent after a 33-year absence. A purpose-built track, designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, will be constructed around 25 miles south of Kigali, next to a planned international airport, with the first race targeted for the early 2030s. The announcement fulfils an ambition Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has pursued for years; he says he has been 'fighting in the background' to bring F1 to Africa.

Rwanda secures the calendar slot on a 10-year contract, edging out South Africa — the continent's most recent F1 host, in 1993.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali described it as 'a landmark moment', noting the sport will now race on every inhabited continent.

The agreement has already prompted sportswashing accusations linked to Rwanda's human rights record, echoing controversies over its shirt sponsorships with Arsenal and Aston Villa.

MoreAOL News UKF1 announces return to Africa with ‘landmark’ 10-year Rwanda contractYahoo SportsFormula 1 Set to Return to Africa for the First Time Since 1993 as Rwanda Is Added to the Calendar in ‘Unique’ 10-Year Deal - Yahoo SportsLive MintF1 returns to Africa for the first time since 1993 in Rwanda in early 2030s as Formula One pens 10-year agreementYahoo SportsF1 to return to Africa for first time since 1993 with race in Rwanda - Yahoo Sports
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