Argentina wants to make its return to the F1 calendar

The Argentine government is increasingly considering the possibility of reintroducing a Grand Prix to its lands, due to the recent rise in popularity of Franco Colapinto.

For your information, Colapinto was chosen by Williams to replace Logan Sargeant, making his debut at the Italian Grand Prix. He then became the first Argentine to start an F1 race since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001.

During the following Grand Prix races, Colapinto captivated the attention of Formula 1 analysts and drivers, notably managing to score points in Azerbaijan. He thus becomes the first Argentine to achieve this feat since Carlos Reutemann in the South African Grand Prix in 1982, which reignited interest in Formula 1 in Argentina.

The last Argentine Grand Prix took place in 1998 at the Autódromo Oscar and Juan Gálvez circuit in Buenos Aires. This 4.2 km race, with 18 turns, was won by Michael Schumacher at the wheel of his Ferrari.

In 2012, the former president of the Argentine Nation, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, announced plans to organize a street race in the seaside city of Mar del Plata, but no agreement was reached with former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

However, Daniel Scioli, Minister of Tourism, Environment, and Sports, told La Agencia de Viajes that he wants to relaunch this project: « I have spoken with President Javier Milei and the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, in order to coordinate all efforts so that Argentina can once again host a Formula 1 race.

A major obstacle remains to be overcome: to host a Grand Prix, the circuit will have to be upgraded to FIA Grade 1 status, requiring costly investments.

Scioli plans to attend the next Sao Paulo Grand Prix to engage in discussions and start the process of bringing Argentina back to the F1 calendar.