By Duncan Mwangi
The world of motorsports is set to witness a historic moment as the prestigious FIA Awards touches down in Africa for the first time. Kigali, Rwanda, will play host to the glittering ceremony on December 13th, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the continent in the motorsport landscape.
The FIA Awards, annually organized by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), celebrates the achievements of motorsport’s top drivers, manufacturers, and teams across various championships, including Formula One, World Rally Championship, and Formula E. This year’s ceremony, themed “120 Years of Legends,” promises to be a star-studded event, bringing together the sport’s brightest stars and iconic figures to celebrate past and present triumphs.
Rwanda’s hosting of the FIA Awards isn’t the only exciting news. The event coincides with a growing buzz surrounding a potential Formula One race returning to Africa. A meeting between Rwandan officials and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali later this month has fueled speculation that Rwanda might be in the running to host a Grand Prix.
“It’s time for Africa to be part of the F1 calendar,” Christian Gakwaya, President of the Rwanda Automobile Club, declared confidently. Rwanda seems well-prepared, with Gakwaya emphasizing their commitment and readiness to host a race. Their bid has garnered serious attention from F1, with Domenicali acknowledging their well-structured plan and scheduling a formal meeting.
The return of Formula One to Africa isn’t a new desire. Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has long been a vocal advocate for an African race. “There’s one more race we need and that’s going to be Africa,” Hamilton stated last year, highlighting the continent’s absence from the F1 circuit.
While Kyalami in South Africa previously hosted the last African Grand Prix in 1993, Rwanda’s potential entry has surprised many. The details of a proposed Rwandan circuit remain under wraps, but the country’s high altitude adds another layer of intrigue. A circuit in Kigali or its vicinity could sit well above 1300 meters, potentially mirroring the challenges faced in Mexico, where thin air impacts engine performance and aerodynamics.
If Rwanda’s plans come to fruition, it could see Lewis Hamilton return to a country that left a lasting impression on him in 2022. “It was a profound and truly moving experience,” he wrote after his visit. With the FIA Awards and potential F1 race on the horizon, Africa appears poised to make a monumental mark on the world of motorsports.