Gayton McKenzie Reacts to Rwanda's 2030 F1 Bid, Says SA Could Host Race Before Then
- Rwanda’s successful Formula 1 bid has sparked fresh discussion about Africa’s place on the global motorsport calendar
- South Africa’s Sports Minister has congratulated Rwanda while maintaining that a local Grand Prix remains possible
- The future of Kyalami and the push to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa remain important parts of the story
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Gayton McKenzie has congratulated Rwanda after the country secured the opportunity to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2030. The South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture welcomed the development but insisted South Africa could still secure its own race.
The announcement marks a significant development for African motorsport. The continent has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
McKenzie shared his reaction on X on 7 October 2026, praising Rwanda’s efforts to secure the event.
“We are happy for Rwanda's 2030 F1. They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it,” he said.
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Why Rwanda won the Formula 1 opportunity
Rwanda has been pursuing a place on the Formula 1 calendar, with President Paul Kagame leading efforts to bring the sport to the country.
The proposed Grand Prix is expected to take place at a new circuit near the capital, Kigali. The project would give Rwanda an opportunity to host one of the world's most prominent sporting events.
McKenzie also questioned the idea that Africa should be limited to a single Grand Prix when individual countries elsewhere have hosted multiple races.
“Remember, though, that one country, Italy, has had two F1s a year and some react like a continent of 55 countries can only get one,” he added.
Italy has hosted multiple races in the same season, including events at Monza and Imola.
South Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions remain alive
Despite Rwanda’s reported breakthrough, McKenzie has not abandoned South Africa’s campaign. He stated:
“SA will get F1, even before 2030.”
Gayton McKenzie's X post:
Kyalami, near Johannesburg, has been a leading contender for a South African return. However, the circuit needs to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 requirements before it can host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
There is also an important qualification to the Rwanda announcement. As of 9 October 2026, reports indicate that an agreement has been reached, but Formula 1, the FIA, and the Rwandan government have not yet made a formal announcement.
For South Africa, McKenzie’s response signals that Rwanda’s progress does not necessarily end the country’s hopes. Whether another African race can be secured will depend on the championship’s calendar and the ability of prospective hosts to meet its requirements.
The last African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in 1993. Rwanda’s reported bid could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the continent, while South Africa continues pursuing its own opportunity.
South Africa’s R2 billion F1 circuit plan adds pressure to the race for a Grand Prix
Briefly News previously reported that a South African consortium led by former Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman was pursuing plans to bring Formula 1 back to the country with a proposed R2 billion circuit in Swartland, north of Cape Town.
The Blue Mountain Racing consortium’s proposal includes a venue with capacity for 125,000 spectators, while Kyalami owner Toby Venter is pursuing a separate plan to upgrade the Midrand circuit.
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Source: Briefly News
