The project for the return of the Argentine Grand Prix is gaining momentum, with work now well underway on the historic Buenos Aires circuit with the aim of bringing Formula 1 back to Fangio’s country.
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According to several sources, the renovation of the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez is already about 10% complete, with a goal of completion by the end of the year, notably in view of the MotoGP return scheduled for 2027.
The construction site is massive: a large part of the existing infrastructure has been demolished, including the pits, the grandstands, the paddock as well as most of the old track surface.
MotoGP in 2027
A complete reconstruction is underway, with the installation of high-performance GIMA-type asphalt, similar to that used on current Formula 1 circuits.
Initially, the layout will aim for FIA Grade 2 homologation, before moving up to Grade 1 — essential for hosting F1 — notably with a new circuit design and lengthened straights (image above).
A return of Formula 1 is considered as early as 2028, possibly in combination with the Grand Prix du Brésil to facilitate logistics and the environmental impact of this long South American trip.
A glorious past
This revival comes in a context of growing interest in Argentina, driven by the very popular arrival of Franco Colapinto in F1. However, the driver had warned that the return of the discipline would be a bit more complicated than that of MotoGP, due to the scale of the necessary transformations.
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Now promoted by Liberty Media, motorcycle racing offers synergies with Formula 1, particularly in the context of commercial negotiations by imagining certain economies of scale between two- and four-wheel events.
The success of the event is already assured given the immense popularity of motorsport in the country that saw Juan Manuel Fangio (the man with five world titles in the 50s), José Froilan Gonzalez and Carlos Reutemann win in F1 in the past.
Roadshow in the city
On April 26, in the heart of the Palermo district, Colapinto will take the wheel of a 2012 E20 F1, powered by a Renault V8, sporting the BWT Alpine livery (illustration below). On this occasion, he will become the first Argentine to drive a Formula 1 car in the streets of Buenos Aires. A unique moment for national motorsport, to the great joy of his passionate compatriots.
“Driving a Formula 1 car at home will be one of the most significant moments of my life,” confides the driver, addressing the aficionados. “It is my way of giving back to you, even modestly, all the support and all the love I have received since I was very young, and which push me every day to pursue my dreams. Every message, every flag, and every encouragement has always been there. This event is an opportunity to share this very special moment with all of you.”
The Colapinto effect
The Autodromo de Buenos Aires, located on the outskirts of the Argentine capital, has always gathered a considerable and enthusiastic crowd, from the first world rounds between 1953 and 1960 until the more recent period of the 90s, the last edition in 1998 having seen Michael Schumacher’s victory for Ferrari.
The only downside to this idyllic picture: the spectators are so fanatical that they can sometimes lash out on social media, going as far as making death threats to their idol’s rivals, as Esteban Ocon recently experienced after their collision in China.
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