For the first time in motorsport history, the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony was held in Rwanda, marking a significant milestone for both the country and the global motorsport community.
The event, which took place in Kigali, attracted widespread attention as it celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 motorsport season with Formula One’s impending return to Africa.
In addition to celebrating sporting achievement, the ceremony served as a symbol of Rwanda’s rising prominence on the international stage.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were among the many drivers, teams, and dignitaries who attended the prestigious event.
Several awards were given out during the evening to recognize the top drivers and teams across multiple motorsport disciplines.
The event was particularly momentous, as it marked the first time it had been held on the African continent. The picturesque backdrop of Kigali provided a stunning setting for the evening, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to positioning itself as a key player in the global sports arena.
The ceremony was a resounding success, drawing over one million viewers online, a record high that underscores the global interest in motorsport and the significance of the event.
This digital success reflects the growing global interest in African sports and the power of online platforms to bring events to a wider audience.
With the attendance of both the President of Rwanda and the FIA President, this highlighted the importance of the occasion.
In an exciting announcement during the ceremony, President Kagame revealed that Rwanda has officially submitted its bid to host a Formula 1 race hence bringing the sport back to the African continent.
This announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm, particularly as it signifies Rwanda’s ambition to be at the forefront of international sporting events.
This demonstrates unequivocally that Rwanda’s ambition to host Formula 1 again is about more than just securing a race; it’s also about leaving a lasting legacy for the African continent by providing a platform for innovation, investment, and youth development. This will undoubtedly be a pivotal time for Africa.
The ceremony was also an opportunity for drivers to reflect on the 2024 season and express their excitement about the future of motorsport, particularly in Africa. Several drivers shared their thoughts, including reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, who said he “would love to race in Africa.”
Verstappen, who won his fourth consecutive world championship this year, praised Rwanda’s commitment to the sport and expressed enthusiasm for the potential return of Formula 1 to Africa.
“There are so many opportunities as there are so many things we need to improve on and so we are so excited to be on that route” Verstappen noted.
Other drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Mclaren star Lando Norris, also shared their excitement about Rwanda’s bid for a race in Africa .
“I think it’s the only continent that we actually don’t do on the race calendar and I would love to be able to race one day here,” Leclerc said.
Lando added, “As drivers we are always excited to race in new places with new fans and introduce our sport to new audiences and Africa would be a perfect place to do it.”
Looking ahead, the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Rwanda was more than just an awards event as it was a moment of celebration for the future of African motorsport.
The 2024 FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony laid the stage for an exciting new chapter in motorsport history with a record number of online spectators and overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction from drivers and fans.
The world eagerly awaits Rwanda’s vision to determine how motorsport in Africa will develop as the country continues to invest in its infrastructure and sports sector.
Good for Rwanda but it could have looked better in Kenya which has the wrc docket for Africa region for rwanda it’s 100% excellent but even ARC Rwanda must consult Ugandan fmu staffs as cocs etc look into their books you won’t believe it it’s better they have the funds but Kenya could have been given that docket because it has the wrc status in place that’s my opinion as one