President Javier Milei said Monday he wants Formula 1 to return to Argentina as he delivered a speech at the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) American Congress taking place in Buenos Aires.
Milei highlighted the local passion sparked by motorsport's top category, which saw "packed grandstands" at the last F1 Grand Prix held in Argentina, 28 years ago.
"Argentina is a country of car lovers ... We have the tradition, we have the drivers, and now we are regaining the institutional credibility that these categories demand before selecting a country," Milei said.
"We want to see [Franco] Colapinto in the country," said the President, referencing the 23-year-old Argentine who drives for French team Alpine.
The FIA has not yet commented on Milei's request.
Formula 1 currently has just two stops on its calendar in Latin America: Mexico City and São Paulo.
Testament to Argentina’s passion for motorsport was the massive turnout seen last April for a street demonstration given by Colapinto in Buenos Aires.
The exhibition, featuring an Alpine Lotus E20, brought together around 500,000 people, according to the organisers.
Argentina is shaped by the legacy of legendary drivers Juan Manuel Fangio – a five-time F1 world champion – and Carlos Reutemann.
Colapinto's arrival in the top tier has reignited the interest of a local fan base with a long-standing tradition in motorsport.
Argentina "has all the conditions required to once again host Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship on its calendar," Milei added.
The capital’s racetrack, the Oscar y Juan Gálvez circuit, hosted some 20 Formula 1 Grands Prix between 1953 and 1998. The site is currently undergoing refurbishment under a renovation plan projected to conclude next February.
The works entail an estimated investment of around US$100 million to boost spectator capacity to 150,000 people, along with a redesign of the track, pit garages, access routes, and safety features.
The project includes a 4,900-metre track with 15 corners for potential Formula 1 races, and a 4,300-metre track with 14 corners for prospective MotoGP events.
Motorcycle racing in Argentina will return to the world calendar in 2027 following a 28-year absence.
– TIMES/AFP
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