World’s top drivers have expressed their optimism about racing in Africa amid the continent’s growing interest in hosting a Grand Prix. This came after president Paul Kagame announced that Rwanda formally submitted a bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix during the FIA General Assembly held in Kigali on Friday, December 13, Kagame said that there's “good progress in discussions,” a development that was welcomed by a host of delegates including FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem who admits that adding Africa back to the F1 calendar is “long overdue.” It is 31 years now since South Africa hosted a Grand Prix and Rwanda is now expressing interest in hosting a Grand Prix in the next few years, as long as FIA approves its bid. Formula One stars Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Charles Lecrerc, who were all in the Rwandan capital for the FIA Awards 2024 gala, all supported the prospect of racing on the continent and Rwanda in particular. “Yes, I would like to race in Africa. There are so many opportunities, and we still have things to improve on, but we are very excited to be on that road,” said Formula One reigning champion Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver was named Formula One 2024 world champion at the glamorous end-of-season prize giving gala in Kigali, beating McLaren rising star Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Lecrerc to the top prize. ALSO READ: When FIA came to Kigali – another win for optimism and can-do spirit Like Verstappen, Norris noted the thrill of racing at a new location in Africa, particularly mentioning Rwanda as a ‘very special place to do it.” Leclerc also echoed Norris’ enthusiasm about racing in Rwanda, saying that he “would love to be able to race one day here.”
