Alex Wurz exclusive: What the former F1 star has to say about Rwanda, Saudi Arabia & Co.

As a ‘consultant’ for Toyota, he is, of course, at the WEC finale in Monza this weekend. However, his close ties to Formula 1 extend beyond his roles as a TV pundit and director of the GPDA drivers’ association. Through his company, he is working on a host of F1-related projects alongside his father Franz (who will soon be 80!).

In an interview with “SPEEDWEEK.com”, Alex provides an update.

Rwanda: “Everything is on schedule. We’ve been working on this as advisers to the government since 2022. We’re keen to ensure the project has multiple uses that benefit the local community. The concept made sense to both Formula 1 and the government. The completion date is still to be confirmed; it will likely be between 2030 and 2032. That is why the recently published ten-year contract is structured around the 2030s. The first groundworks will begin in early 2027. A Grand Prix is not scheduled to take place until everything in the surrounding area is complete – hotels, leisure facilities, residential estates, educational institutions, etc. All of this is 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The new airport there will be the first to be completed.”

Saudi Arabia: “Work on the construction site in Qiddiya is continuing despite the uncertain situation caused by the Middle East conflict. Some European site supervisors have been recalled, but work on the site is still going ahead. The Saudis are pressing ahead with the new sports and entertainment centre 20 minutes south of Riyadh. The first Grand Prix is likely to take place there in 2028. The theme parks are already complete and operational.”

Other exciting Formula 1 projects

And furthermore: “Albania is still on the agenda, but the start date for construction is yet to be confirmed. The planning permission has been granted. Denmark is also moving forward, but is at a very early stage. The circuit is to be built near the German border, close to Flensburg. In Willow Springs (California), we’re now in the detailed planning phase for the refurbishment, with construction due to start in 2027. And we have two more F1-related projects on the horizon; at least one of them looks very promising.”

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Alex explains how all this is to be managed as follows: “We’re a team of just over 20 people. We’re also supported by external experts for technical details. We have the racing expertise in-house. All in all, I’d say we employ 30 to 40 people – a multinational team, but with our headquarters in Vienna. We’re delighted to have so many enthusiasts on the team.”

The 52-year-old adds: “I certainly won’t get bored.”