SINGAPORE -- Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have welcomed the prospect of Formula 1 returning to Africa amid growing speculation that Rwanda could host a grand prix in the 2030s.
Rwanda has emerged as a leading contender to bring F1 back to the continent for the first time since 1993, with discussions over a potential race continuing, sources have told ESPN.
South Africa has also been pushing to secure a return race, but its sports minister Gayton McKenzie appeared to acknowledge Rwanda's progress in a post on X this week.
"We are happy for Rwanda's 2030 F1," he wrote. "They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it."
Sources have told ESPN that the Rwandan capital Kigali is being considered as the location of the circuit, although there is no guarantee a race would take place in 2030.
The project remains in its early stages. An area has been earmarked for a potential circuit, but construction has yet to begin and a track layout has not been finalised, sources said.
An announcement on Rwanda's F1 ambitions could come as early as next week, sources added.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Hamilton reiterated his desire to see F1 return to Africa.
"I haven't really got any news for you. I saw people posting online," Hamilton said.
"But I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. It is, for me, the most important continent and the most beautiful continent. We're on all the other continents but that one and there should be no reason for it.
"It's something I've been pushing for in the background and Stefano's been amazing -- he's flown to Africa so many times over the last couple of years speaking to lots of different people and so I hope he has some news for me soon."
Verstappen, who previously visited Rwanda in 2024 to collect his F1 drivers' title at an awards ceremony, was similarly enthusiastic about the prospect.
"For sure, if that's possible that would be great," he said. "We want to race in a lot of different places in the world so yeah I really hope it can be pushed through.
"I've been to Rwanda once, of course. But let's wait, let's see if it all goes through. I think we are all very excited if that would happen."
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George Russell also backed the prospect of an African race.
"I would be very excited if these rumours were to come true," Russell said. "I was in Africa earlier this year and I really, really loved my time there.
"Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Africa is the only continent we don't race on and it's about time we had a race there."
F1 last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg.
South Africa has continued its efforts to bring the championship back, with Kyalami and Cape Town both previously considered as potential venues.
Sources have told ESPN that Kyalami was initially regarded as a leading candidate, but financial considerations have proved a significant obstacle in discussions over a long-term agreement.
McKenzie insisted South Africa remained determined to secure its own race, arguing that the continent could accommodate multiple grands prix.
"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 wrote. "SA will get F1, even before 2030."
F1's current schedule is at a maximum of 24 races, the most allowed in the commercial agreements which the sport's 11 teams sign up to every year.
There is huge demand for a spot. Next year, Portugal's Portimao circuit will join, having hosted a couple of races during the pandemic, while Türkiye's popular Istanbul venue will also return.
This year saw Madrid host the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time at a circuit built on the outskirts of the city.