Rwanda is poised to make history by hosting the first Formula One race in Africa in 31 years, with President Paul Kagame announcing a bid to bring the prestigious event to the continent. The last Formula One race held in Africa was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.

The announcement was made during an awards ceremony in Kigali, where Max Verstappen will receive his fourth consecutive champion's trophy. Kagame expressed his commitment to hosting the event, stating that Rwanda is "approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves." He also thanked Formula One president Stefano Domenicali and his team for their progress in discussions.

The proposed track will be located near Bugesera airport, outside Kigali, and is set to be designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz. This development marks a significant milestone in Rwanda's growing influence in motorsport, with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praising the nation's strength and growing presence in the industry.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal supporter of an African Grand Prix, revealing that he has been working behind the scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to bring the race to fruition. Hamilton's involvement adds significant weight to the bid, and his enthusiasm for an African Grand Prix is likely to resonate with fans and sponsors alike.

Formula One's return to Africa would be a significant coup for the continent, with the sport boasting a massive global following. The potential benefits of hosting a Formula One race extend beyond the event itself, with significant economic and tourism opportunities arising from the influx of visitors and sponsors.

While Rwanda's bid is still in the discussion phase, the announcement marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to host a Formula One race. With Kagame's commitment and Hamilton's support, the prospects of an African Grand Prix look increasingly promising. As the negotiations unfold, fans and sponsors will be watching with bated breath, eager to see if Rwanda can bring Formula One back to Africa after a 31-year hiatus.

The implications of a successful bid extend beyond Rwanda, with the potential for other African countries to follow suit and host their own Formula One races. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the continent is poised to play an increasingly important role in the global motorsport landscape.

As the world waits with anticipation for the outcome of Rwanda's bid, one thing is clear: the potential return of Formula One to Africa would be a monumental achievement, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history and cementing the continent's place on the global motorsport map.