DR Congo protests Formula 1’s ‘indefensible’ decision to race in Rwanda

Formula One returns to Africa for the first time in more than three decades, but DR Congo slams decision to race in Rwanda.Published On 15 Oct 202615 Oct 2026Formula 1 will “polish the image of an authoritarian leader” if it goes ahead with plans to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, the foreign minister of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, said Thursday.Rwandan President Paul Kagame joined F1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Tuesday to announce the race. It will be held at a circuit yet to be built at Bugesera, near Rwanda’s capital Kigali, in “the early 2030s,” F1 says. The series last raced in Africa in 1993.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Man United’s Martinez takes to social media to defend his criticism of clublist 2 of 4What led Manchester United’s Martinez to meltdown in Madrid – all to knowlist 3 of 4Manchester City’s charges appeal to be heard by January, regulator sayslist 4 of 4Football regulator says he’ll resign if political interference in City caseend of listThe DRC, the United States and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in eastern DRC. Rwanda says its secu...