Rwanda and South Africa are both vying to bring Formula 1 back to Africa after a 30-year hiatus. Rwanda's bid boasts a new, sustainable circuit, while South Africa leverages its historic Kyalami track. The competition has sparked debate about Rwanda's human rights record.
Rwanda 's President Paul Kagame has thrown his weight behind the country's bid to host a Formula 1 race, but South Africa is also vying to bring the sport back to the continent after a 30-year absence. The prospect of an African Grand Prix has been a long-held ambition for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and his desire is shared by many of his fellow drivers.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, expressed his excitement about racing in Africa, stating that they are 'very excited to be on that road.' Lando Norris, a driver for McLaren, believes Africa would be 'the perfect place' to introduce F1 to new audiences. The FIA, which regulates Formula 1, and Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder, are at the center of this development. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, stated that 'Africa deserves a F1 event and Rwanda is the best place.'Rwanda's proposed circuit, designed by former Benetton driver Alexander Wurz, is set to be constructed approximately 25 kilometers from the capital Kigali. It promises to be a fast and flowing track that winds through forests and around a picturesque lake, featuring dramatic elevation changes and sharp corners. Verstappen, who visited Rwanda for the FIA Awards last month, described the track as 'amazing,' while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed enthusiasm for the potential for overtaking opportunities. Building a Formula 1 circuit is a significant undertaking, requiring adherence to stringent FIA safety standards and the accommodation of associated infrastructure such as paddocks and media facilities.Christian Gakwaya, president of the Rwanda Automobile Club, emphasized that the project is about 'Rwanda's growth, people and place on the world stage.' While estimates suggest the project could cost Rwanda over $270 million, the investment is anticipated to bolster the tourism sector, which generated over $620 million in 2023, according to the Rwanda Development Board. Irene Murerwa, Rwanda's chief tourism officer, explained that the benefits of hosting events like F1 extend beyond tourism, encompassing job creation and infrastructure upgrades that impact every Rwandan.Rwanda's commitment to sustainability is another key aspect of its bid. Gakwaya pledged to 'uphold the highest environmental standards,' aligning with F1's ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. Rwanda has already made investments in sports, hosting events like the Basketball Africa League and raising its global profile through the Visit Rwanda campaign, which has partnered with football clubs such as Arsenal, Paris St-Germain, and Bayern Munich. However, the Rwandan government has faced criticism regarding its human rights record, with accusations of using sport to enhance its image and distract from these concerns.Lewis Mudge, the Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, stated that Rwanda has 'major flaws with due process' and that the space for freedom of expression and political autonomy is shrinking. The Rwandan government has dismissed these allegations as 'a distraction' from its achievements. Mudge argues that if the FIA awards Rwanda a race, it would be ignoring its own due diligence process regarding human rights in host nations. When questioned about the accusations against Rwanda, FIA president Ben Sulayem responded that 'When people cannot get what they want they always blame it on sportswashing.' He reiterated his belief that their actions are right and emphasized the approval process through the FIA's general assembly.
FORMULA 1 AFRICA RWANDA SOUTH AFRICA Kyalami Sustainability Human Rights
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