Argentina’s F1 Grand Prix return supported by 600.000 people

Over 600,000 people flooded the streets of Buenos Aires recently, turning out for an electrifying Formula 1 car demonstration by Alpine driver Franco Colapinto. The colossal gathering, reported by Sportowefakty, which saw the young Argentine talent pilot a vintage F1 machine through his hometown, has dramatically reignited hopes for Formula 1's return to the South American nation after an absence spanning nearly three decades. Referred to by many as 'the new Messi' in Argentina, Colapinto completed two exhilarating 15-minute drives along a specially prepared street circuit on Avenida Libertador in Palermo. He was behind the wheel of a 2012 Lotus E20, powered by a Renault V8 engine – the very car Kimi Raikkonen drove to victory in Abu Dhabi that same year. Though a historic machine, the Lotus was 'dressed' in current Alpine colors, bridging the past with Colapinto's present F1 aspirations. The spectacle concluded with a dramatic flourish, as flames erupted from the engine after more than a minute of full-throttle operation, much to the crowd's delight. Adding another layer of historical significance, Colapinto also drove a replica of the Mercedes W196, the iconic car with which legendary compatriot Juan Manuel Fangio secured his Formula 1 world championships in 1954 and 1955. The emotional resonance of the event was palpable for Colapinto himself. "Wow! What an incredible feeling to be able to drive in my hometown," he stated. "Above all, to share this with so many dedicated fans! It's amazing to drive an F1 car through the streets of Buenos Aires. This is undoubtedly one of the best days of my life. The love the fans showed me was simply extraordinary."

The long road back to the F1 calendar

Argentina last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1998, leaving a void that the recent demonstration vividly highlighted. The sheer scale of the turnout serves as a powerful testament to the enduring passion for motorsport in the country, and a clear signal of the public's desire to see top-tier racing return. This public enthusiasm aligns with ongoing efforts to upgrade Argentina's racing infrastructure. Earlier in the week, Colapinto visited the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez, a circuit currently undergoing significant renovations. The venue is slated to host MotoGP from early 2027, with the ultimate ambition being to pave the way for Formula 1's return to the calendar. Colapinto himself believes the nation deserves a spot. "They deserve to return to the calendar," he remarked, speaking of his compatriots. With a national hero in Colapinto emerging, and tangible steps being taken to modernize facilities, the dream of Formula 1 cars once again racing for points on Argentine soil feels closer than it has in decades. The roar of the Lotus E20 through Buenos Aires was more than just a demonstration; it was a rallying cry from a nation hungry for its F1 comeback. Sources: sportowefakty.wp.pl

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