The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially warned F1 to abandon talks with Rwanda over the possibility of hosting a round of the world championship.

Rwanda, currently, along with South Africa, in talks with F1 to host a Grand Prix, has been accused of backing M23 rebels in their fight with the DRC army, in a conflict which has seen thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

In a letter to F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, DRC foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner called on the sport to abandon talks with Rwanda or risk the sport having the F1 brand "smeared by a blood-stained association".

"While I applaud Formula 1's desire to host a grand prix in Africa, I question whether Rwanda would be a choice that best represents our continent," she wrote, "and urge you to end negotiations and rule Rwanda out as a potential host.

"Does Formula 1 really want its brand smeared by a blood-stained association with Rwanda?" she added. "Is this really the best country to represent Africa in global Motorsport?"

Insisting that she would "wholeheartedly support" South Africa's bid, she said: "South African soldiers on peacekeeping duties in my country have been killed by the very regime you seek to do business with.

"For the sake of those who have given their lives in the name of peace, make the right choice and at least make their sacrifice worth something."

"We have been closely monitoring the developments relating to the DRC and Rwanda and continue to do so," said a spokesman for F1.

"We have received requests from multiple locations around the world that wish to host a future Formula 1 race," they added. "We assess any potential request in detail and any future decisions would be based on the full information and what is in the best interests of our sport and our values."

Of course, in recent years the sport has shown itself willing to overlook certain issues, (then) technical boss Ross Brawn ruling out a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to the country's poor record on human rights. Not only did Saudi Arabia get its race, so too did Qatar, another country with a highly questionable record.

As for South Africa, recent events there suggest that it too is not a good match for the sport at this time.

However, at a time a number of high-profile football clubs enjoy Rwandan sponsorship, we are sure that if the 'price is right' such matters could be 'overlooked' by F1.

Indeed, only a couple of months ago the FIA held its annual awards gala in Rwanda... sort of paving the way.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 19/02/2025 2:06

"@ Max Noble....As has been said before, why bother? Africa is a continent riven with turmoil arising out of political ideology and/ or tribal friction that has existed for aeons! Maybe Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt spring to mind as possibles but I say, forget the rest. If I was to have a choice why not choose Morocco, They have history. Thirteen GP were held there between 1925 and 1958. They also appear to be relatively benign when taking into account the near past and present Muslim anarchies prevalent in other parts of the Maghreb. But then again....why bother, DEI is dying in many parts of the world."

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2. Posted by Max Noble, 18/02/2025 0:46

"Africa is not quite four times the size of Australia, yet is multiple countries, not a single one. If it were four or five large countries they could potentially all be wealthier and more stable than is the current case.

…then again if all of humanity just simply got a long the entire planet would be wealthier and more stable… Being able to “politely and respectfully disagree” is a much underrated capability.
"

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3. Posted by ARL, 17/02/2025 22:43

"Priti Patel may be available to wave the chequered flag, given her recent reduction of responsibilities. Just a suggestion.

Rwanda might have enough funds to pay for a race or two, possibly left over from a putative scheme that allegedly took one tourist from the UK to Rwanda.

F1, moral imperative, Liberty - not words usually found in near proximity. I can think of a few others that do go together more readily."

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4. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 16/02/2025 17:23

"There are discussions on building a motorsports complex in Gaza. Could be the most exciting facility ever built to date."

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5. Posted by Editor, 15/02/2025 11:21

"@ MVR

There's a big difference between criticism and your 'accusations'."

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6. Posted by MVR, 15/02/2025 11:19

"So the moderator removed my comment, but not Kenji's?

So it's okay to praise DT but not criticise?"

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7. Posted by MVR, 15/02/2025 8:10 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 15/02/2025 10:03)

"This comment was removed by an administrator as it was judged to have broken the site's posting rules and etiquette."

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8. Posted by kenji, 14/02/2025 0:56

"Ruanda wouldn't even be considered if it wasn't for this DEI nonsense. Donald Trump has paved the way to move forward, so just go with the flow and we'll all be able to appreciate more what we love to watch."

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9. Posted by Mad Matt, 13/02/2025 17:12

"Well they've put GPs in a country like the US so I suppose anything is possible...."

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10. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 13/02/2025 15:34

"Rwanda for a Grand Prix? April 1st is a month and half away."

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11. Posted by Chester, 13/02/2025 12:07

"There are very few people in the world dumb enough to ink an F1 deal with Rwanda. Liberty wants money not liabilities.
All discussions with Rwanda about hosting a race fall into the categories of being polite in pursuit of an African race and fake inclusiveness.
"

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DRC warns F1 off Rwanda

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