Why Formula 1 Chose Rwanda Over France and Germany

Formula 1 is expanding its global footprint by heading to Rwanda, leaving traditional racing heartlands like France and Germany without a grand prix. While France lost its spot after 2022 following the uninspiring Paul Ricard races, Germany has not hosted an event since the one-off Eifel GP at the Nürburgring in 2020. Under Liberty Media, F1 has prioritized untapped regions and lucrative hosting fees, pointing to a 100 million-strong following on the African continent, with a high percentage under 35. Lewis Hamilton has consistently pushed for F1’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali and his team have secured a 10-year deal due to kick in during the early 2030s, contingent on the construction of an ambitious new race track. The circuit is planned for Bugesera, south of Kigali, featuring an initial design of a 3.6-mile, 17-turn layout inspired by established great circuits, complete with 200m of elevation change. Ex-F1 driver and two-time Le Mans winner Alex Wurz is involved in the project. The announcement has drawn claims of sportswashing due to Rwanda’s human rights record, but funding relies on a mix of private and public sources. Domenicali praised Rwanda as one of the world’s great success stories of resilience, ambition, and international investment. Meanwhile, in domestic racing, Jason Smyth became the first back-to-back Formula Ford Festival winner in the event’s 55-year history at Brands Hatch, driving for Team Dolan Van Diemen. His victory amid dry conditions followed a controversial defense from pole position that left rivals Niall Murray and Jordan Dempsey frustrated after Murray was edged onto the grass and into a spin on the run up to Druids.