Rwanda’s F1 Grand Prix Bid Faces Scrutiny Over DR Congo Conflict
Formula 1 has confirmed it is “closely monitoring” the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it assesses Rwanda’s bid to host a Grand Prix in 2027.
The response follows a letter from DRC’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, urging F1 to “end negotiations and rule Rwanda out” due to its alleged involvement in the conflict.
Both Rwanda and South Africa are competing to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993. However, reports suggest that Rwanda’s chances are declining due to growing instability in the region.
F1’s Considerations and Rwanda’s Vision
An F1 spokesperson confirmed that the organization is reviewing all potential host locations based on factors including security, infrastructure, and F1’s values.
“We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions would be based on the full information and what is in the best interests of our sport and our values,” F1 stated.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced the country’s F1 bid in December 2023 at an FIA prize-giving ceremony in Kigali. Plans include a state-of-the-art circuit near Bugesera Airport, designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, aiming to blend motorsport, sustainability, and Rwanda’s natural beauty.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has backed Rwanda’s bid, stating:
“Africa deserves an F1 event, and Rwanda is the best place.”
Conflict and International Concerns
However, growing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC are casting a shadow over the bid. Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 rebels who have seized large areas of eastern DR Congo, including Goma, a key city in the region.
The United Nations has reported that Rwanda may be benefiting from illegally smuggled minerals from the DRC, claims the Rwandan government denies.
In her letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Minister Wagner questioned whether F1 should associate its brand with a country accused of fueling conflict.
“Does F1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda?” she asked.
Will Rwanda’s F1 Bid Survive?
The conflict’s humanitarian toll—with 2,900 deaths since January 2025, according to the UN—has intensified calls for F1 to reconsider its involvement with Rwanda.
Former DR Congo football captain Youssouf Mulumbu has also urged Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to reconsider its “Visit Rwanda” sponsorship deal, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.
While Rwanda remains eager to position itself as a global sports hub, F1’s decision will ultimately hinge on whether the country’s political and security situation aligns with the sport’s global reputation and ethics.
source: BBC