McKenzie challenges prospect of Rwanda becoming Africa’s only F1 race

South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, has challenged the prospect that Rwanda’s planned Grand Prix will be Africa’s only Formula 1 race. He says his country is still working towards a race of its own, potentially in 2028 or 2029.

Formula 1 announced a 10-year deal for Rwanda this week, with the first race expected in the early 2030s at the planned RISE Motordrome in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali. Africa’s last F1 race took place in South Africa in 1993.

At a media briefing, McKenzie argued that one race was too few for a continent of 54 countries. He contrasted the prospect with what he said were four races in the Middle East, three in the United States and nine in Europe.

McKenzie also welcomed Rwanda’s deal, saying it helps his broader goal of bringing F1 to Africa. He said South Africa had already spoken to sponsors and insisted Rwanda had not beaten the country to a place on the calendar. South Africa has also been working to bring Kyalami up to the required FIA grade.