Colapinto to drive F1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires

Argentine driver Franco Colapinto confirmed Tuesday that he will perform a special driving "road show" demonstration in a Formula 1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires on April 26, ahead of competing in the Miami Grand Prix in May.

Colapinto has held a race seat with the French Alpine team since May 2025, having made his debut with Williams in September 2024 as a replacement for US driver Logan Sargeant.

“See you at home, everyone come along!” wrote the 22-year-old driver on Instagram on Tuesday as he announced the event.

The event will turn Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Sarmiento, in the tourist district of Palermo, into a two-kilometre street circuit.

He will drive 2012 E20, powered by a Renault V8 engine, fully branded with the Alpine team’s livery. It will be the first time a Formula 1 car has been driven in Buenos Aires in 14 years.

“Driving a Formula 1 car at home will be one of the most special moments of my life. It’s my way of giving back, even if only a little, all the support and affection I’ve received since I was very young, which drives me every day to keep dreaming of achieving all my career goals.

"Every message, every flag and every word of encouragement has always been there for me. This is for all of you, so we can enjoy this special moment together,” said Colapinto in a statement.

The Colapinto phenomenon has electrified Argentines nationwide, for whom motorsport is one of the most popular sports.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Carlos Reutemann – who later turned politician – raced for the Brabham, Ferrari, Lotus, and Williams teams. Argentina’s greatest legend behind the wheel is Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five Formula 1 World Championships in the 1950s.

Colapinto finished 16th in the Japanese Grand Prix held on Sunday. He has scored one point in three races this season.

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, of Mercedes, won in Suzuka and became the youngest (19 years old) to lead the Formula 1 World Championship.

The event will be open to the public, with exclusive paid-for areas, including hospitality sections, a grandstand and special fan zone with entertainment.

– TIMES/AFP/NA