Formula 1 to Return to Africa with New Grand Prix in Rwanda
A new African chapter begins as F1 announces a race in Rwanda, marking the sport’s first visit to the country and its second to the continent since 2018.
Formula 1 has officially announced that Rwanda will host a new Grand Prix, bringing the world’s premier motorsport back to Africa for the first time since the 2018 Baku race. The decision, confirmed by the FIA and the Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, marks a historic moment for both the sport and the East African nation.
The new circuit, set to be built in the capital city of Kigali, will feature a modern street layout designed to showcase the city’s rapid development and vibrant culture. According to the FIA, the track will incorporate a mix of high‑speed straights and technical corners, aiming to provide a challenging yet entertaining race for drivers and fans alike. The event is scheduled for 2025, with the exact date to be confirmed later this year.
Rwanda’s bid for an F1 race was backed by a strong partnership with local authorities and private investors, who highlighted the potential for tourism, infrastructure growth, and international exposure. The government has pledged to upgrade road safety standards and build state‑of‑the‑art facilities to meet FIA regulations. The race is expected to attract over a million visitors, boosting the local economy and positioning Kigali as a new motorsport hub in Africa.
For Indian fans, the addition of a Rwandan Grand Prix opens up new viewing opportunities. The race will be broadcast live on FanCode, with Indian viewers able to watch the event in real time. The local time in Kigali is 4 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST), so fans can tune in at 8 pm IST for the start. The event will also be available on the official F1 app, offering live commentary, pit‑lane updates, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage.
Source: GPblog, Bloomberg, The Race, Sky Sports, Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 Team