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F1 African GP Clash Intensifies: ‘What Kind of Thinking Is That?’
Highlights
- Rwanda awarded 10-year contract for African Grand Prix from 2030s
- New Kigali circuit designed by Tilke Engineers and WurzDesign
- South Africa aims to revive Kyalami track for 2028–2029 return
- Minister McKenzie criticizes only one African F1 race allocation
- Africa lags behind Middle East, US, and Europe in races
- F1 expanding in Africa to broaden global motorsport markets
South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie has condemned Formula 1’s plan to stage only one African race, after Rwanda secured a decade-long African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
The event will run at the new RISE Motordrome near Kigali, designed by Tilke Engineers and Architects with Alexander Wurz’s WurzDesign.
South Africa is pushing to upgrade Kyalami to FIA Grade 1 for a 2028–2029 return, targeting the country’s first race since 1993.
McKenzie questioned the logic, noting four Middle East rounds, three in the United States, and nine in Europe, yet only one in Africa on a 54-nation continent.
“What kind of thinking is that?” — Gayton McKenzie
F1’s choice reflects a broader strategy to expand in new markets, aligning with Formula 1’s efforts to broaden its global reach.
Rwanda secures a 10-year African Grand Prix contract beginning in the early 2030s.
South Africa welcomes Rwanda’s addition yet argues Africa merits at least two races. Government and promoters are preparing bids, mindful of fees, logistics, and calendar congestion.
Any return hinges on promoter backing and FIA homologation. Kyalami must complete safety, run-off, and medical upgrades before Grade 1 approval, then secure a commercial agreement with Formula One Management.
South Africa targets a Kyalami comeback in 2028–2029, subject to Grade 1 approval and a promoter deal.
Scheduling will be pivotal. Pairing Rwanda or South Africa with Middle East rounds could ease freight pressure, while regional clustering would help teams and broadcasters manage costs and audiences.
Next steps include detailed design, financing, and phased construction for Kigali, followed by FIA inspection. South Africa continues negotiations as it pursues an F1 return to Africa alongside Rwanda.
Visual Summary
Kigali
Kyalami
“You want the whole continent of 54 countries
to have only one race?”
to have only one race?”
— Gayton McKenzie
South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture
South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture
Africa
1
Europe
9
Middle East
4
USA
3
A continent of 54 countries with only one race
(while Europe, the Middle East, and USA have many more)
(while Europe, the Middle East, and USA have many more)
South Africa
(Kyalami bid)
(Kyalami bid)
Rwanda
(10-year F1 debut)
(10-year F1 debut)
1993
2028?
2030+
Last F1 race in Africa Possible Kyalami return Rwanda Grand Prix debut
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
