Rwanda was only African country with concrete F1 plan, Says Domenicali
Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali has said Rwanda was the only African country to present the sport’s leadership with a concrete plan to host a Grand Prix, highlighting the country’s preparations to bring the competition back to the continent.
Domenicali made the remarks in an interview with TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs, published on October 20, 2026. The discussion covered Formula 1’s development, its expanding global audience and the sport’s future, including the possibility of returning to Africa.
Asked about plans to bring Formula 1 back to the continent, Domenicali said Rwanda had submitted a clear proposal backed by concrete preparations.
“What I can tell you without hesitation is that, based on concrete preparations, Rwanda is the only country that has presented us with a solid plan,” he said.
The remarks follow the announcement on October 13, 2026, of a 10-year agreement between Rwanda and Formula 1 aimed at bringing the championship back to Africa after more than three decades.
Under the agreement, Rwanda is expected to host the African Grand Prix in the early 2030s, marking a potential return of Formula 1 to the continent for the first time since 1993.
South Africa last hosted a Formula 1 race in 1993. Since then, no other African country has hosted a round of the championship.
The proposed race is planned for Bugesera District, where a purpose-built circuit is expected to be developed near the under-construction Kigali International Airport.
The circuit will be designed to meet the requirements of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body responsible for setting the standards required to host Formula 1 races.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a destination for major international sporting events.
