FIA President Ben Sulayem Says Formula 1 Return to Africa Could Inspire New Generation of Motorsport Talent
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said the return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa could create a lasting legacy by inspiring future generations, developing local talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across the continent.
Ben Sulayem joined Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), at a launch ceremony in Kigali announcing plans for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to take place in Rwanda from the early 2030s.
Rwanda Plans to Bring Formula 1 Back to Africa
The announcement marks a significant milestone in efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent, which has not hosted a World Championship Grand Prix since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Rwanda's planned race would offer the country an opportunity to establish itself on the global motorsport calendar while attracting international attention to its tourism, infrastructure and sporting ambitions.
Focus on Long-Term Motorsport Development
Ben Sulayem highlighted the potential for the race to deliver benefits beyond the event itself, including expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening the development of motorsport talent across Africa.
The initiative could help broaden participation in the sport and create pathways for emerging drivers, engineers, technical specialists and other professionals within the motorsport industry.
The planned Grand Prix also represents an opportunity to build a lasting motorsport legacy through skills development, investment and greater access to international competition.
A Milestone for Global Motorsport
The Kigali ceremony brought together senior political and motorsport leaders to mark the next stage in plans for Formula 1's return to Africa.
With the race targeted for the early 2030s, Rwanda's ambition places the continent back in the conversation around Formula 1's global expansion and the sport's potential to create new opportunities in emerging markets.
The project is expected to develop further as planning progresses towards the proposed race.
