An African Grand Prix has been announced that will take place in Rwanda over a 10-year contract and I have the details and analysis in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup. I also have updates on the JGB-Spire legal maneuverings and much more.
Overview
Motorsport Industry News
African Grand Prix Announced to Take Place in Rwanda
The government of Rwanda and Formula 1 have announced a 10-year deal for a new African Grand Prix in capital Kigali, which will first be held in 2030 at the earliest. F1 will head to a yet-to-be-built natural road course 40km south of Kigali, next to the Rwandan capital’s under-construction Bugesera international airport. The first edition of the race, which is officially billed as ‘Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda’, could be held as early as 2030, depending on when construction of the track is completed.
The announcement has been met with support, cautious optimism and denunciation as due to there being no firm race date, the track is not yet built and Rwanda being accused of greenwashing and human rights concerns. Below is the official announcement along with a selection of analysis on a significant decision by Formula 1 to bring a race back to the African continent.
- Formula 1 returns to Africa with 10 year agreement to race in Rwanda (FIA)
- FIA reveals long-term target for Africa after Rwanda announcement (Planet F1)
- Rwanda wants to open doors to all of Africa with F1 return (RACER)
- Kagame: Africa must shape global motorsport as Rwanda secures Formula 1 Grand Prix (Eastleigh Voice)
- Why Rwanda landing an F1 race could reshape Africa’s sports economy (Sector)
- Five key takeaways from F1’s big African Grand Prix reveal in Rwanda (Autosport)
- Rwanda turns to F1 as it moves forward from a chequered past (Autosport)
- Why Rwanda’s deal for F1 race remains controversial (BBC)
- African Grand Prix: Formula 1 returns to the continent, starting with Rwanda (RTR Sports Marketing)
- Rwanda Has F1’s African Grand Prix. Now It Needs a Racetrack (Backfire Racing)
- Visiting F1’s new Rwanda track – everything we learned (The Race)
- The African Grand Prix: Why F1 is going to Rwanda and why is it controversial? (The Athletic)
- F1’s African Grand Prix in Rwanda labelled ‘morally indefensible’ by DR Congo minister (The Athletic)
The Bar for New Grands Prix is “Really High”
Louise Young, Formula 1’s chief race promotion officer, said at Leaders Week London that F1 will stay at 24 races and that the bar for new Grands Prix is “really high.”
“We are in the fortunate position that we will maintain our 24-race number, and any time we want to make a change, that means we would have to let go of a relationship that we’ve had perhaps for 30 or more years,” said Young.
Sepang F1 Generates Nearly RM950 Million
Malaysia’s return to Formula 1 at Sepang generated an estimated economic impact of nearly RM950 million, according to figures presented in a written parliamentary reply, with a separate assessment still examining the costs and benefits of hosting the event.
The Youth and Sports Ministry cited information from Formula 1 Management for the Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang International Circuit from 2–4 October. The figure adds weight to the discussion about future F1 events in Malaysia, but does not represent a confirmed profit for the government or circuit.
FIA Urges Malaysia to Build Beyond F1
While Malaysian officials have started talking about a potential full-time return of F1 to the country, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has outlined a wider ambition for Malaysian motorsport, identifying affordable participation and a broader range of competitions as opportunities alongside the country’s renewed Formula 1 involvement. “Malaysia, to me, is not only about Formula 1. Malaysia, to me, is about motorsport.”
Is Motorsport Valley Unbeatable?
Ridge motorsport experts Paul Hartle and Ben Willshire discuss whether the UK can maintain pole position as the industry’s expansion continues worldwide. “Motorsport Valley is the undisputed nerve centre of global motor racing, and without doubt the UK’s most successful industrial cluster. This slice of the Midlands and southeast England is home to eight out of 11 Formula 1 teams, and a very significant proportion of the motorsport knowledge base, supply chain and workforce.”
Turmoil at the FFSA
The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA)—France’s national motorsport federation—is currently embroiled in an unprecedented governance scandal that has threatened the revocation of its state sports ministry agreement, effectively risking the future oversight of French motorsport according to French newspaper Le Parisien. The crisis involves an intense power struggle between former leadership networks and newer executives.
Fresh Riyadh Airport Attack Raises Saudi F4 Travel Questions
A fresh attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has raised renewed questions about international travel for motorsport in Saudi Arabia, just days after the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship completed its second round at Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said in an update issued early on Sunday, 11 October, that Saturday’s attack killed 12 people and injured 309. The authority had announced that airport operations were temporarily suspended while damage and the safety of facilities were assessed.
Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week
- Some Automakers Are Writing Off Racing in America. Porsche Isn’t So Foolish (The Drive)
- Porsche presents new strategy through to 2035 (Porsche)
- Powering real-time race intelligence for Red Bull Max vs 100 with OCI (Oracle)
- The reality of the business of motorsport (Dan Wells)
- Three Circuits, Three Strategies: How promoters are pricing F1’s sprint expansion (Autosport)
- New McLaren Logo Inspired By Bruce McLaren’s Family Garage (The Gentleman Racer)
- FIA Invites Fans to Help Shape the Future of Touring Car Racing (FIA)
- Why the most international season in motorsport history is also its most powerful as a business tool (RTR Sports Marketing)
- How Singapore turned its Grand Prix into F1’s boardroom (Sector)
- The Davos of motorsport? How Formula 1 could transform its Paddock Club (Sector)
- UAE emerges as a global motorsport hub, says FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem (Gulf News)
- Mauritius Makes African History with Two Teams at STEM Racing World Finals 2026 (Stem Racing Mauritius)
- What’s Going on With F1 Drivers and Tax? (Paddock Journal)
- Motorsport Australia Launches Philanthropic Foundation at Bathurst 1000 (Ministry of Sport)
- Penske Automotive Group accepts buyout bid that values retailer at $16.3 billion (Automotive News)
- F1’s heat hazard solution can make drivers hotter. Would rule changes fix cockpit cooling? (The Athletic)
- The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: A race with two faces (Gulf Motorsport Business)
- Why Kim Kardashian Matters to Formula 1’s New Audience (Business of Speed)
- North Carolina Launches Major Motorsports Economic Impact Study (NCMA)
- Kelley Indianapolis launches new Business of Sports co-major (Kelley School of Business Indianapolis)
- Ratel Explains “Key Element” of Moving U.S. IGTC Round to COTA (Sportscar365)
- Voting for SCCA Board of Directors Elections Begins Soon (SCCA)
- Cuts To Red Tape For NSW Motorsport Sector (Mirage News)
- The private racetrack is changing motorsport, and the Motorsports Club of Clubs is at the wheel (RACER)
- How Buemi Became Central to Toyota’s Success (Sportscar365+)
- GL27 Racing Launches Race Operations Program for Autistic Young Adults (PRI)
- NSW plans to scrap motorsport venue licensing law (Auto Action)
- Could prediction markets unlock a new source of F1 fan data? (Sector)
- How Motorsport Innovations Are Changing the Way Modern Cars Perform (AR1)
- Lando Norris invests in Seat Unique (SIG)
- Duqueine Names Forbush as North American Distributor (Sportscar365)
- The F1 pit stop that helped save lives (BBC)
- F1 Brain Drain: Engineers Paid in Prestige, Bill Arrives at Year Six (Paddock Pass)
Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup
Formula E Gen4 Impresses Drivers
The Formula E Gen4 race car has impressed drivers and, in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will hear from a few of them. I also have details on the advanced sustainable fuels from Petronas and more.
The Numbers This Week
Seven Reveals Ratings Dip for Bathurst 1000
This year’s Bathurst 1000 drew a national audience of 1.45 million on race day, marking a downturn from last year’s 1.54 million. However, the days leading up to the Great Race saw slight increases in 2026 compared with 2025. SpeedCafe has all the details.
Motorsport Law Roundup
Inside the JGR-Spire Trade Secrets Battle
The legal battle between Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Spire Motorsports and former JGR competition director Chris Gabehart continues to raise important questions about trade secrets, non-compete agreements and the protection of proprietary information in motorsport. JGR is seeking to have Spire and Gabehart held in contempt of court, alleging they violated restrictions on Gabehart’s new role by using confidential racing information and contributing to competition-related decisions.
Meanwhile, the parties continue to clash over access to technical documents, the definition of JGR’s trade secrets and the evidence needed to support their respective claims. With a trial scheduled for February 2027, these three reports examine the latest courtroom developments in a dispute that could have significant implications for how motorsport teams protect their competitive advantages and manage the movement of key personnel between rival organizations.
- Joe Gibbs Racing Presses Contempt Case Against Spire (Autoweek)
- Spire, Gibbs keep trading blows as trade secrets lawsuit continues in court (RACER)
- Judge Orders Evidence Exchange in NASCAR Trade Secrets Lawsuit (Autoweek)
Sports Lawyer in the Spotlight: Benoit Keane
How does European law shape the business and governance of modern motorsport? In this Sports Lawyer in the Spotlight interview, LawInSport speaks with Benoît Keane, a leading European sports lawyer whose work includes landmark cases involving competition law, sporting regulations and dispute resolution. His experience offers valuable insight into the legal issues affecting sports organizations and the wider business of sport.
Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis
- MotoGP announces Red Bull to become Australian Grand Prix title sponsor from 2027 (Motorsport Week)
- Top 5 GT and Endurance Racing Sponsorship Agencies: From British GT to Le Mans (Superhub)
- Gama Aviation and Mission Motorsport join forces with new partnership (Mission Motorsport)
- Beyond Resilience Joins NASCAR With Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports (Speedway Digest)
- P&G partners with McLaren F1 team to drive Asia-Pacific engagement (Cosmetics Business)
- Heineken Activates F1 Campaigns as Motorsport Returns to Malaysia After 9 Years (Retail News Asia)
- Gulf Oil International Ltd and SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team reveal special livery celebrating 125 years of Gulf history (ESA)
- A sponsor logo disappears at 300kph (Rush)
- Motorsport Is Entering Gaming Culture. Can Its Sponsors Keep Up? (Open Track Consultants)
- The Activation Zone: Singapore Grand Prix (Sector)
- From pit lane to piste, how Perfect Moment x Alpine is a match made in mountain heaven (Paddock Journal)
- NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell: ‘Sponsorship Is Coming Back to the Sport’ (Front Office Sports)
The Business of Running a Race Team
Jimmie Johnson Is Building A Different Kind Of NASCAR Team
How do you build a NASCAR team that can compete with the sport’s established powerhouses? Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is taking a different approach with Legacy Motor Club, bringing together a high-profile group of athletes, entertainers and business leaders to help build a stronger racing operation. In this article for Forbes, Greg Engle explores Johnson’s vision for transforming the team into a motorsports lifestyle brand, expanding its commercial reach and leveraging new investment to fund on-track success. The strategy is ambitious, but Johnson’s ultimate goal remains unchanged: winning races and championships.
Team & Manufacturer News
- Porsche AG increases its stake in Manthey Racing GmbH (Porsche)
- How Cadillac Racing earned three 2026 IMSA championship titles (Cadillac)
- The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s Quest for Stability and Success (Robb Report)
- ORECA takes on engine work for NASCAR Euro Series (Racecar Engineering)
- ACI Expands to GTWC America With Mercedes-AMG Entry (Sportscar365)
- Endurance testing and a second car: Ford gears up for more Hypercar testing (RACER)
- Penske exploring return to WEC Hypercar field as a Cadillac privateer (RACER)
- Alpine Hypercar likely to disappear from 2027 WEC grid after talks with Chinese manufacturer Geely collapse (RACER)
- Dallara begins IR-28 IndyCar production run (RACER)
- Lamborghini aims for WEC return with Temerario GT3; IMSA plans coming together (Sportscar365)
- How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse (Autosport)
- 13 Autosport Commits to GTD Return With Corvette (Sportscar365)
- Stallion Targeting Four-Car CUPRA TCR Effort in 2027 (Sportscar365)
- M-Sport’s 2027 WRC Fiesta Kit car breaks cover (Autosport)
- Ford’s WRC Comeback Has a Two-Year Run-Up. The Real Test Is the 2029 Car (Backfire Racing)
- Horner’s inside story of how Red Bull built its own F1 engine (Autosport)
- Red Bull extends Mekies contract to 2031 after back-to-back wins (Motorsport Week)
- Ford no longer evaluating an IndyCar program (RACER)
- New AO Design Part of Four-Car Porsche Macau Assault (Sportscar365)
- New teams join expanded FIA FREC entry (FIA)
- Dodge nearing return to NASCAR Cup Series (Jayski’s)
- NASCAR Fought Michael Jordan in Court. Ten Months Later, His Team Is the Sport’s Best Advertisement (Backfire Racing)
- American MotoGP team Trackhouse sells minority stake as investors bet on Liberty growth (Sports Business Journal)
- Heart of Racing Targeting LMGT3 Auto Invite in Asian Campaign (Sportscar365)
- Optimum Enters Barcelona GT Open Finale (Daily Sportscar)
Motorsport Movers & Shakers
Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull Journey
Laurent Mekies has worked across engineering, race operations, the FIA, Ferrari and team management, and now faces perhaps his most demanding assignment: building Red Bull’s next chapter around Max Verstappen. Motorsport Magazine profiles Laurent Mekies’ motorsport journey.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
