The Baku City Circuit has been part of the Formula 1 calendar for nine years and is among the 24 tracks where the world’s most prestigious motor racing series takes place. This past weekend, it hosted the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was won by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who is battling McLaren’s Oscar Piastri for the top spot in this year’s championship.

President Kagame arrived in Baku on September 19 for a state visit aimed at strengthening ties between Rwanda and Azerbaijan.

His stop at the circuit also connects with Rwanda’s ambitions in motorsport. Last year, Kagame announced that Rwanda had submitted a bid to host Formula 1 a milestone that would make it the first African country in 32 years to welcome the event. Since then, discussions around the bid have been ongoing.

Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of motor racing, featuring 24 races across the globe each season.