F1 Faces Backlash Over Rwanda GP Amid Congo Tensions

A diplomatic row erupts as Congo urges Formula 1 to reconsider Rwanda’s Grand Prix bid, warning of reputational risks amid regional conflicts.

Will F1 become a source of tension between two African nations? That is the concern after the Democratic Republic of Congo called on Formula 1 to end discussions with Rwanda over hosting a Grand Prix.

The two countries have been in conflict for several years, with tensions escalating further in late January, particularly after Congolese troops managed to enter the city of Goma. Thousands of citizens were displaced following this military and political confrontation.

Rwanda supported a rebel movement in Congo to launch an attack in 2022, and tensions between the two nations have remained high since the actions of the M23 movement.

This political dispute has now reached Formula 1, as Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has written to Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the sport, urging that Rwanda should not be allowed to host a Grand Prix in the future.

“I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the negotiations that Formula 1 has reportedly initiated with Rwanda to organize a Grand Prix in its capital, Kigali,” the minister wrote.

“Rwanda is currently occupying a large part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with its proxy, the M23, displacing more than 700,000 Congolese citizens.”

“While I applaud Formula 1’s desire to host a Grand Prix in Africa, I doubt that Rwanda is the best choice to represent our continent, and I urge you to end the negotiations and exclude Rwanda as a potential host.”

“Does Formula 1 really want its brand to be tarnished by a bloody association with Rwanda? Is this truly the best country to represent Africa in global motorsport?”

Congo would instead prefer to see Formula 1 choose South Africa, as Kyalami remains hopeful of hosting the sport: “You have a choice. There are alternatives. I understand that a South African bid is on the table to host the Grand Prix, which the DRC would fully support.”

“This would be an appropriate (and easy) decision to make; South African soldiers, on a peacekeeping mission in my country, have been killed by the very regime you are seeking to do business with. Out of respect for those who gave their lives in the name of peace, make the right choice and at least honor their sacrifice.”

Formula 1 insists that it is monitoring tensions in the region, though conflicts involving nations have never prevented it from organizing races, as seen with Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.

“We have closely followed developments regarding the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so,” an F1 spokesperson stated. “We have received requests from multiple locations around the world that wish to host a future Formula 1 race.”

“We evaluate each potential request in detail, and any future decision will be based on comprehensive information and what is in the best interest of our sport and values.”

Only the Russian Grand Prix has been removed from the calendar due to conflict or war, while several other countries—beyond the two mentioned—have been involved in actions or conflicts that are certainly not aligned with F1’s values.