The time has finally come for Formula 1 to return to Africa

Formula 1, most notably, has focused the bulk of their races in North America - 5 races and Europe 10 races. Africa is a continent that has been overlooked by F1 leadership for decades.... but why is this?

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What is Formula 1's history in Africa?

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East London, Cape Province (South Africa)

Technically, the first African Grand Prix was held as a 'handicap race' from 1934 - 1939 at a circuit called Prince George Circuit, only being halted by World War II. Formula 1's 'real' history in South Africa begins in 1962, again at Prince George Circuit until 1966. In the short number of years at this circuit, F1 Legends Jim Clark, Stirling Moss, and Graham Hill were among the champions of the track.

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Kyalami - Johannesburg, South Africa

During the era of Kyalami it was often considered a favorite among drivers for its challenging layout and high-altitude conditions. The track celebrated the LEGENDS of F1 including Jim Clark, Niki Lauda, and Jackie Stewart.

However, the South African Grand Prix was also the stage for a pivotal moment in F1 history - one that could be considered one of my personal favorite pieces of F1 'lore' The driver strike of 1982. To provide a quick recap - all drivers on the grid refused to race due to contractual decisions made to their FIA 'super license' that would lock them into a team for 3 years with no choice in the matter post-signing. In a well documented and iconic moment, the entire grid locked themselves in a hotel in Johannesburg until their demands were met. After this strike, the drivers did win BUT the GPDA (Grand Prix Driver's Association) was disbanded due to the disruption to the race and way in which the strike was conducted.

The South African Grand Prix continued through to 1985. Paused due to Apartheid (which I will explain below) and resumed for only two seasons, 1992 and 1993.

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Why hasn't F1 raced in Africa since the 1990s?

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Apartheid

I am the first to admit that I am not a historian, nor an expert in apartheid. However, this period of South African history was truly the beginning of the end of the South African Grand Prix.

The 1985 race was actually the start of the issues for the race with many nations boycotting South African sporting events due to the 'surge of violence related to racial segregation in the country' which is known as apartheid. Many drivers and teams did NOT want to attend this race with some drivers' home countries attempting to ban their attendance. This call was actually successful for the Ligier and Renault teams - in line with the French Government's ban on South African Sporting events. However, many notable drivers including Keke Rosberg, Nigel Mansell, and Alain Prost did take part.

FIA President of this era, Jean-Marie Balestre announced days after the race that Formula 1 would not return to the country until the end of the apartheid.

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Why were 1992 and 1993 the final African F1 races?

Post- apartheid F1 did return for only 2 years before being permanently removed from the F1 calendar.

There were two main reasons behind this:

1. High costs were associated with hosting a grand prix
2. Stronger and more stringent FIA standards for tracks

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Frankly, the race ended after 1993 because South Africa and the Kyalami Circuit could no longer afford it - especially coming off of the back of such intense political and socio-economic strife in the country.

In 2018, Adrian Schoitz, CEO of Motorsport South Africa highlighted the continuing obstacles -even into the present era of Formula 1:

"The main obstacles are the high costs of hosting such an event and the fact that currently no South African racetrack fulfills the FIA requirements to host a Formula One race, although Kyalami comes close."

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Even more recently than this, current events completely halted the consideration of the return of the South African Grand Prix. In early 2023, there were allegedly 'talks' between the FIA and South Africa for a return within the next few seasons. These conversations were ended due to the South African government's stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and funding for the track:

"Talks with the original organisers fell through, with questions over the funding behind the project to bring the venue up to modern standards."

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Rwanda has entered the F1 Conversation

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With South Africa clearly out of the running for a return of Formula 1 in Africa - Rwanda has become the top name discussed as of late.... But many Formula 1 fans do not understand why. Admittedly, I was also shocked by this piece of news - especially when I learned that the FIA Awards would be held in Rwanda. However, upon research into the country - past my single unit on the history of the region in my 9th grade history class... I have learned SO much... and become a huge fan of having a race in Rwanda in the near future!

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The Rwanda of today

I'd like to take a moment to provide a brief history of Rwanda - because while most people around the world are aware of the Rwandan Genocide, this happened in the 1990s.... And the country has taken LEAPS and BOUNDS forward since this period in their history.

• From 1994 - 2003 a provisional constitution was in place
• In 2003 the Constitution of Rwanda was adopted with a: Multi-party system government based on Democracy and elections, a President (elected every 7 years), Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament (that mandates 24 seats to women representatives).
• Rwanda is a member of the United Nations and a number of other transnational organizations
• Tourism is one of their largest economic resources
• Increase in cultural institutions, investment in sport, and the infrastructure surrounding them have been a key priority for the Rwandan Government

While this list could go on - one fact is clear - that Rwanda is a growing economic power, and one that would welcome Formula 1 and thousands of fans.

Sentiment of F1 and the FIA

Let's start off with the facts about FIA and F1's signals of intent:

1. The FIA General Assembly meeting of 2024 was held in Kigali, Rwanda
2. The FIA Prize-Giving ceremony was held in Kigali, Rwanda as well - featuring racing drivers from all series around the world (including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, and more...)
3. Alexander Wurz (former F1 driver) has been collaborating with local stakeholders for over a year
4. Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem have met with Rwandan Leaders

That said, Rwanda HAS officially placed their bid and intent to bring Formula 1 to the country. During the FIA General Assembly in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, officially announced their bid:

"I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix."

The plan that has been proposed to the FIA and F1 would be a permanent circuit near Bugesera International Airport, just outside of Kigali. In my eyes, this (infrastructure-wise) reminds me of many tracks across the world, namely COTA (Austin, TX) that have been built just outside of the city to support the crowds and allow for other events to be held year-round. F1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali shares my opinion stating:

"They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September."

It is, of course, important to note that sentiment towards having a grand prix in Africa has been supported by F1 Drivers as well - most loudly and notably by Lewis Hamilton:

"There's one more race we need and that's going to be Africa."

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FIA Prize-Giving

Now, if you watched the FIA prize-giving ceremony in early December, it is blatantly obvious - simply by its location being IN Rwanda - that this project is going to move forward with full support of the FIA and F1.

The ceremony itself included beautiful representations of the art and culture of Rwanda - featuring music, art, graphics, dance, and a number of other cultural elements. One of the hosts, Maheda Mahadeo is also of Rwandan descent.

It is rare that I agree with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, but I do agree with this quote from his remarks at the ceremony:

"To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA's calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport."

While I do not think that a Rwandan Grand Prix will be on the calendar for the next few seasons - unless they're able to build a track overnight, of course - I am truly excited to see Africa brought back into the sport of Formula 1.

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