F1 secures a landmark 10-year agreement with Rwanda to stage the African Grand Prix.

This agreement was disclosed on Tuesday during a press conference in Kigali, which included Rwandan president Paul Kagame, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The Bugesera circuit, crafted by former driver Alex Wurz and his design firm, will leverage the natural landscape, offering a unique venue for spectators to watch as cars navigate a 6km, 17-corner anti-clockwise course that features a significant 197m elevation change per lap. This initiative is part of a broader investment strategy by the Rwandan Development Board aimed at enhancing tourism, infrastructure, and commercial growth.

“Today is a significant day for Africa. For over thirty years, the world's leading motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and this agreement changes that," stated president Kagame. "Rwanda is honored to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and to share this occasion with over 100 million fans across Africa, many of whom are young individuals who deserve to experience the sport locally and see themselves represented: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and, one day, drivers.

"This ten-year alliance also signifies an investment in Rwanda's future. The circuit in Bugesera, in conjunction with the new international airport, will create jobs, enhance skills, attract tourism, and foster new business opportunities in our country and region for many years to come, as our goal has never been merely a single race weekend, but a sustainable benefit for our people."

Domenicali remarked: "Today signifies a pivotal moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar in the next decade, our sport will compete on every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans worldwide. Africa has always been integral to Formula 1's future, and we were committed from the start to return in the appropriate manner, with the right partner, a long-term commitment, and a clear vision for creating substantial impact.

"This initiative goes beyond merely hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can foster enduring economic and social advantages through tourism, investment, skill development, and local business enhancement, ensuring that the positive effects of this event resonate for generations. For our fans, this is a particularly thrilling moment. Africa boasts over 100 million Formula 1 enthusiasts, and that figure continues to expand rapidly."

FIA president Ben Sulayem added: "The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa represents a historic milestone for our sport and a crucial advancement in the ongoing global expansion of motorsport. Rwanda has shown a strong commitment to hosting a world-class event, and the FIA will collaborate closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to meet the highest international standards."

Discussions between F1 and Rwanda regarding a race gained momentum in 2024, as the central African nation sought to attract significant sporting events to enhance tourism and business. Last year, Kigali hosted the UCI Road World Championships in cycling, and in 2024 it will host the FIA's annual Prize Giving Ceremony, with Max Verstappen among the FIA world champions visiting the country to receive his fourth F1 world title trophy.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long advocated for F1's return to the African continent. "For the past six years, I've been advocating behind the scenes for a Grand Prix," he stated earlier this year. "So, engaging with stakeholders and questioning why we are not in Africa? We race on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they are truly trying.

"The locations I've enjoyed the most so far were Kenya, and Rwanda was particularly remarkable - two places I felt I could call home. And South Africa. I believe those are the locations that could be promising for us to potentially consider."