Overview
- Reports on Tuesday said an agreement has been reached for Rwanda to host a new Grand Prix and that an official announcement could come later in 2026.
- The plan calls for a permanent, state‑of‑the‑art circuit about 40 kilometres from Kigali close to Bugesera International Airport and is reported to be designed by WurzDesign.
- Rwandan President Paul Kagame is credited with pushing the bid through sustained talks with FIA and F1 leaders, building on Rwanda hosting FIA events in 2024.
- Rwanda’s reported selection complicates South African bids to return F1 via Kyalami upgrades or a new Western Cape circuit and shifts regional hosting prospects.
- Significant steps remain before a 2030 race can happen, including securing financing, obtaining rezoning and environmental approvals, completing construction and gaining FIA/F1 homologation and a calendar slot.