After 33 years, F1 returns to Africa! A US$3.2 billion "gamble", Rwandan President: Today belongs to Africa

On October 14th, Beijing time, a piece of news hit the screens at the same time in the sports and financial circles: F1 officially announced its return to Africa, with the first stop in Rwanda, and the contract will be signed for 10 years.

The last time F1 roared in Africa was in 1993. 33 years is enough for a generation of car fans to change from a young fan to a middle-aged uncle.

The bill for this return was equally shocking - Qatar paid approximately US$3.2 billion, or approximately RMB 21.4 billion, accounting for 70% of the total investment in the project.

Why Rwanda?

On October 13, in Kigali, F1 officially signed a contract with Rwanda. The full name of the event is "F1 African Grand Prix Presented by Visit Rwanda". The first race is expected to start in the early 2030s.

The ten-year contract was written on paper not only to host the race, but also to promise that motorsport would return to the African continent.

Rwandan President Kagame’s speech was short but powerful: “Today belongs to Africa.”

In one sentence, a business signing turned into a comeback moment for the entire continent.

Track and money: Where does the $3.2 billion go?

To do F1, it is not enough to have feelings, you also need to have real money.

The new track is located in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers south of the capital Kigali, next to the Bugesera International Airport under construction. The track undulates along the hilly lake area. It was led by the design team of former F1 driver Alexander Wurz and completed in cooperation with world-class racing circuit design and engineering construction companies. The track is built next to the airport so that fans can get to the venue as soon as they get off the plane.

Where does the money come from? Qatar spent 3.2 billion US dollars on the entire "super geo-complex" including the new international airport and the F1 track. Nearly 70% of the funds were borne by it, which is equivalent to paying for Rwanda's ticket to the world's top stage.

The timetable is also very clear: the airport will be put into operation in 2028, the track will be completed in 2029, and the countdown has started.

After 33 years, only F1 memory remains in Africa

The last time F1 was held in Africa, it dates back to the farewell race at the Kayalami circuit in South Africa in 1993 - Prost won the championship, and the legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna also competed at the same venue.

In the next 33 years, the roar of F1 stopped in Europe, Asia and the Americas, and Africa was only a memory.

The most persistent promoter over the years has been Hamilton, a seven-time world champion. He has publicly stated many times that Africa is "the most important and beautiful continent" and there is no reason why F1 cannot come.

Another key figure is Kagame. The president regards sports as a strategy: sponsoring Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, teaming up with the NBA to organize the African Basketball League, and organizing an international mountain bike competition every year. When it was F1's turn, he also refused to let it go.

A bigger chessboard: South Africa can’t sit still

After witnessing Rwanda's successful operation, South Africa, also a major sports country in Africa, could not sit still.

Guyton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, issued a public statement: Why can a continent of 55 countries only have one game? He promised to take back the hosting rights before 2030. This is a day that Rwanda grabs while South Africa, also a major sports country in Africa, waits.

In fact, the answer is not difficult to guess: Rwanda not only wants a few games, but also a new business card of "cultural and sports diplomacy". Airports, hotels, events, and broadcasts are all aimed at turning East Africa into the spotlight.

The roar of the engine that has been waiting for 33 years may be just the opening whistle in the battle for the African market.

Author: Wang Xi