Formula 1 is reported to have agreed a Rwanda Grand Prix from 2030, Africa's first race since 1993. A historic step for the sport, or sportswashing?
AFP and RacingNews365 report the deal, citing unnamed sources; neither F1 nor Rwanda has confirmed it, and an announcement is expected in Kigali soon. A new circuit is planned near Bugesera airport, about 40km from Kigali. Critics call Rwanda's sports spending sportswashing, while others say that charge is applied selectively.
What happened
On 8 October AFP reported that Rwanda's bid to host a Formula 1 race had been approved, citing a Rwandan government source and a source close to the FIA, who said an announcement would be made in Kigali next week. RacingNews365 reported two days earlier that the race would join the calendar in 2030 at a new permanent circuit near Bugesera International Airport, about 40km from Kigali. Africa last hosted F1 at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Neither F1 nor Rwanda has formally announced the deal.
Why people disagree
Supporters say F1 has left Africa off its calendar for more than 30 years, Lewis Hamilton has long called for an African race, and George Russell and Max Verstappen welcomed the reports. Critics cited by AFP call Rwanda's sports spending, including sponsorship deals with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, sportswashing that distracts from a crackdown on opposition and dissent. Others call that charge selective, noting nobody used it about this year's World Cup in the US.
What's still unclear
The deal is unconfirmed and no cost has been reported. A Rwandan government source told AFP it may not be welcomed at home, where a quarter of people live below the poverty line. South Africa is also bidding, and its sports minister says it will get a race before 2030.
Sources
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