Formula 1 Returns to Africa with Inaugural Rwanda Grand Prix
The sport will debut a new African venue in Kigali, marking a historic first for the continent.
Formula 1 has officially announced that the 2025 season will feature a brand‑new race in Rwanda, bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time since the 1997 South African Grand Prix. The decision, confirmed by the FIA and the Formula 1 Group, will see the new Kigali International Circuit host the Rwanda Grand Prix from 2025, with the inaugural event slated for 2025‑07‑06.
Per the FIA’s statement, the circuit is a purpose‑built track located on the outskirts of Kigali, designed to meet the highest safety and technical standards of the sport. The venue will host a 70‑lap race covering 260 kilometres, and the organisers have pledged to deliver a world‑class spectacle that will showcase Rwanda’s rapid development and hospitality. The announcement has been welcomed by the Rwandan government, which sees the event as a catalyst for tourism and international exposure.
From a sporting perspective, the addition of Rwanda expands the Formula 1 calendar to 24 races, up from 22 in 2024. The new African venue will sit between the Austrian Grand Prix in July and the United States Grand Prix in September, offering teams a new challenge in a tropical climate and a unique set of technical demands. The FIA has already begun the process of integrating the circuit into the season’s logistics, including tyre allocations and safety car procedures.
For Indian fans, the Rwanda Grand Prix will be live on FanCode from 3:30 pm IST, with commentary in both English and Hindi. The race will start at 12:00 pm local time (GMT+2), so viewers can tune in early in the evening. The event is expected to attract a global audience, and the FIA has announced that the race will be streamed worldwide on the official Formula 1 app, offering live commentary and behind‑the‑scenes footage.
Source: Bloomberg.com