Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Drivers endorse proposed Rwanda GP calendar addition
Paddock chatter around the Rwanda GP calendar entry accelerated on Thursday in Singapore. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and George Russell voiced direct support for a potential world championship round in East Africa. Speculation indicates an agreement could finalize soon, aiming for a 2030 introduction.
Formula 1 has not raced on the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Hamilton has spent several seasons lobbying championship leadership to repair that absence. Outside the humid Marina Bay paddock, the seven-time champion noted he awaits formal verification but remains committed to the project.
Hamilton, Verstappen, and Russell outline their interest
Hamilton pointed to ongoing communication with Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. Domenicali has travelled to the continent repeatedly over the past two years to assess commercial terms, track infrastructure, and logistic frameworks.
Verstappen noted his own previous visit to Rwanda and backed the expansion. The four-time world champion emphasized that global representation should include Africa if the operational package functions properly. Russell echoed that sentiment, noting the championship cannot claim complete global status while omitting the continent entirely.
Contract renewals open spaces on future schedules
The practical hurdle for any new promoter remains the strict 24-race calendar limit. While the schedule is committed through 2027, several legacy circuits face contract expirations before 2030. Promoter slots will inevitably shift across the next five seasons.
Portugal rejoins in 2027 on a brief two-year arrangement. Singapore and Mexico maintain hosting deals that expire in 2028, while Suzuka's Japanese Grand Prix commitment runs through 2029. Those expiring contracts provide commercial leverage and physical dates for new venues seeking entry.
Promoters and governing officials have not yet confirmed when final binding paperwork will be signed. Formal confirmation could land shortly if current discussions finalize terms for the 2030 season.
Original reporting details and paddock quotes were sourced via skysports.com.
