Hamilton's African Grand Prix dream edges closer as Rwanda secures F1 deal for 2030

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time since 1993 after confirming it is finalising a deal to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda by the 2030 season — a result that Lewis Hamilton, one of the race’s most vocal advocates, has described as a personal milestone.

The Rwandan bid caught much of the motorsport world off guard. South Africa’s Kyalami circuit had long been considered the frontrunner to host any African return, given its history and existing infrastructure. Instead, Rwanda has emerged as the chosen destination, with South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly confirming the timeline this week.

“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1,” McKenzie said. “They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it.”

For Hamilton, now driving for Scuderia Ferrari, the announcement represents the payoff of years of behind-the-scenes lobbying. The seven-time world champion had previously stated he would delay his retirement until Formula 1 locked in an African race, and had held private discussions with Rwandan officials about the prospect.

“I’ve always said that we need to have a grand prix in Africa,” Hamilton said. “It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, and the most beautiful continent.”

Despite conceding the initial bid, South Africa has not abandoned its own ambitions. McKenzie argued that a continent of 55 countries deserves more than one race on the calendar, and pledged that South Africa would still pursue a Grand Prix of its own — potentially even before Rwanda’s 2030 debut.

The last African round of the Formula 1 World Championship was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, won by Alain Prost. A Rwanda race would mark a 37-year gap since the continent last featured on the calendar, and would add a significant new market to a sport that has been aggressively expanding its global footprint in recent seasons.