South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised Rwanda’s progress in its bid to host Formula One, saying the country had worked on the effort longer than South Africa.
McKenzie was reacting to reports that Rwanda’s talks to bring Formula One back to Africa had advanced, with the country being linked to a possible place on the championship calendar from 2030.
“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1. They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it,” McKenzie wrote on X.
Rwanda has been pursuing plans to host a Formula One Grand Prix as part of efforts to bring the championship back to Africa, which last hosted a race in 1993 at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit.
Recent reports indicated that discussions involving Rwanda had made significant progress, although an official agreement placing the country on the 2030 Formula One calendar has not yet been formally announced.
McKenzie said Rwanda’s progress should not prevent other African countries from pursuing their own races, arguing that the continent could accommodate more than one Formula One event.
“Remember, though, that one country, Italy, has had two F1s a year and some react like a continent of 55 countries can only get one,” he said.
South Africa has also been pursuing the return of Formula One, with Kyalami among the venues previously considered for a Grand Prix.
McKenzie maintained that South Africa remained in the race to host the championship and expressed confidence that the country could secure an event before Rwanda’s reported 2030 target.
“SA will get F1, even before 2030,” he said.
Rwanda’s proposed plans include the construction of a permanent circuit near the new international airport being developed in Bugesera. Reports have linked former Formula One driver and circuit designer Alexander Wurz to the proposed track through his WurzDesign company.
President Paul Kagame publicly announced Rwanda’s intention to bring Formula One to the country in 2024, as discussions continued over a possible African return for the championship.
If Rwanda eventually secures a place on the Formula One calendar, it would mark the championship’s return to Africa more than three decades after the continent last hosted a Grand Prix.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10