Lewis Hamilton wish granted as F1 confirm return to Africa with 10…
Lewis Hamilton wish granted as F1 confirm return to Africa with 10-year deal
Formula 1 has confirmed its return to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. After many years of negotiations with many interested parties, the first Grand Prix to take place on the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix will happen “in the early 2030s”, without an official date set. But Kyalami will not be the host, nor will any race track in South Africa. Instead, F1 chiefs have struck a deal with Rwanda.
On Tuesday, it was announced that at 10-year deal has been struck to make the African Grand Prix part of the World Championship calendar. A new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, will be constructed to FIA Grade 1 standards, so it will be able to host F1 races.
The circuit will be built adjacent to the Kigali International Airport which is currently under construction. Created by veteran circuit designer Hermann Tilke along with the company owned by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, the track “will be designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience,” F1 chiefs said.
The news will delight Lewis Hamilton, who has been advocating for F1 to return to Africa for many years. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has been keen on the idea too for many years and said he was delighted to get the deal over the line.
He said: “Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.
“This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations.
“For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.
