“Africa deserves an F1 event, and Rwanda is the best place.” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has long promoted the idea of bringing Formula 1 back to Africa. He believes the continent deserves a Grand Prix and has backed Rwanda as a potential host. The sport is eager to fill that gap with Africa being the only inhabited continent without an F1 race. Two nations, Rwanda, and South Africa, have emerged as frontrunners to host a Grand Prix, with both presenting interesting cases.

However, the sport’s ambitions have now been caught in a geopolitical firestorm. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strongly opposed Rwanda’s bid, warning F1 of the potential consequences of associating with the country. The controversy has escalated to a point where CEO Stefano Domenicali was directly urged to reconsider negotiations with Rwanda.

Formula 1 faces a moral dilemma

Formula 1 lastly had a Grand Prix run in an African continent in 1993 at the iconic Kyalami circuit. Since then, African audiences have been waiting for the roar of engines. However, in recent years FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, along with F1, is trying to expand the sport. While South Africa boasts a historic track in Kyalami, Rwanda has presented an ambitious plan to build a new state-of-the-art circuit near Kigali.

However, this bid has sparked serious backlash. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has stepped forward with strong opposition, warning F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali against moving forward with Rwanda. The DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has warned that an association with Rwanda could stain F1’s legacy. In a letter to the Formula 1 president, Wagner accused Rwanda of occupation of eastern Congo and its backing of the M23 rebel group.

“I write to express deep concern over Formula 1’s reported ongoing talks with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix in its capital, Kigali. Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy, the M23, displacing over 700,000 Congolese citizens,” Wagner writes as reported by City AM. The letter further claims that Rwandan military forces have disregarded a ceasefire, resulting in bombings of homes and hospitals in eastern DRC.

Wagner also referenced a UN report that accuses M23 and Rwandan troops of k—— 3,000 people, including 17 peacekeepers. This letter follows similar calls from the DRC for European football clubs like Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich, they all have sponsorship deals with the African nation. Notably, the ongoing battle between Rwanda and the DRC is far from new. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of exploiting its resources, particularly its valuable minerals. According to the DRC, Rwanda’s alleged theft adds approximately $1 billion annually to its economy.

Rwanda has denied these allegations, stating that its military presence in eastern DRC is solely for border protection. Despite the controversy, Formula 1 continues to assess Rwanda’s bid seriously. The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has developed close ties with Rwanda in recent years. The FIA held the 2023 Awards in Kigali as  FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly endorsed Rwanda as a potential host nation for Formula 1 events.

The proposed Kigali circuit is being designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz. It will offer an exciting layout with sharp elevation changes and a scenic backdrop. Additionally, Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability aligns with F1’s push for net-zero emissions by 2030. However, F1 has taken the cognizance of the DRC letter. A spokesperson for the sport stated, “We have been closely monitoring the developments relating to the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so.”

DRC bids for South Africa

Apart from Rwanda, South Africa is another country that is continuously pushing to host a Grand Prix. The country has a fully built circuit at Kyalami, which hosted F1 races from 1967 to 1993. However, efforts to secure a Grand Prix there have stalled because of financial and political complications. While the South African government has expressed support for race, private-sector investment remains a hurdle.

Notably, DRC’s foreign minister Wagner has strongly advocated for South Africa as a more suitable African host. She wrote, “South African soldiers on peacekeeping duties in my country have been k—– by the regime you seek to do business with. For the sake of those who have given their lives in the name of peace, make the right choice and at least make their sacrifice worth something.”

With both Rwanda and South Africa lobbying heavily, the final decision remains uncertain. However, if F1 chooses Kigali, it risks damaging its reputation. The sport would align with a nation accused of human rights violations and regional conflict. While debates continue over F1’s expansion into Africa, the 2025 season launch event will mark a major milestone.

For the first time, all 10 teams will unveil their liveries on the same night at London’s O2 Arena. On February 18, F1 fans will witness all 20 drivers and their teams come together for a massive showcase event. The presentation will feature exclusive interviews, insights from engineers, and never-before-seen visuals of the 2025 cars.