Alpine’s Franco Colapinto drove a 2012 E20 F1 car, powered by a V8 Renault engine, and a replica of Juan Manuel Fangio’s silver arrow through the streets of Argentina.
The young Argentine driver put on a show on the streets of Palermo neighbourhood on Sunday, April 26th. Colapinto was the first Argentinian to drive an F1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires. The last GP in the country had been in 1998, but inside the Oscar and Juan Gálvez Car Racing Track. Later on, David Coulthard, in 2008, and Daniel Ricciardo, in 2012, ran similar road shows through the city, but neither exhibition came close to Colapinto’s.
When the event was first announced, the Alpine driver had said: “Driving at home in a Formula One car will be one of the most special moments of my life. It’s my way of giving back, even just a little, for all the support and love I’ve received since I was very young, which pushes me every day to keep dreaming of achieving all my career ambitions. Every message, every flag, and every cheer has always been there. This is for all of you, to enjoy this special moment together.”
Colapinto moves Buenos Aires in Lotus E20 and Fangio’s Silver Arrow
Franco Colapinto drove through Avenida Libertador and Avenida Sarmiento, which were transformed into a 2km street circuit. He performed a number of high-speed runs, donuts and burnouts as he waved to local fans.
In a press conference the day before the Road Show, he had said: “It’s going to be a wonderful day. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about since I entered F1. It’s going to be a very exciting day for everyone. I hope I shed a few tears. I’m going to bring some tissues to dry them!”
He took Kimi Räikkönen’s Lotus E20, powered by a V8 Renault engine, covered in 2026 F1 Alpine livery for two spins. One even ended in fire, as flames came out the back of the car after roaring the E20 through several donuts.
In between, Colapinto created a special moment for the Argentine fans as he drove a replica Mercedes-Benz W196, an equivalent of what Juan Manuel Fangio drove in the 1950s.
About driving the five-time world champion’s car, Colapinto had added: “I’m going to drive Fangio’s Silver Arrow. That excites me just as much as the Alpine, or even more. I’m really looking forward to it. Having the chance to drive that car is going to be something unique.”
After the show, he said: “Wow, what an amazing feeling to be able to drive at home and especially to enjoy the day with so many fans! It’s such a special moment for me to be able to drive a Formula One car on the Buenos Aires streets, truly one of the best days of my life.”
Colapinto did one final stint on a truck for a short parade to give his love to the fans.
“The love of the fans has been so amazing – this whole event is for them, and I hope they all feel as incredible as I do.”
Hopes for Buenos Aires GP grow as fans break weekend attendance in Colapinto’s roadshow
In typical Argentine fashion, one of the biggest points of conversation after Franco Colapinto’s exhibition in Buenos Aires was the fans’ passion. Apart from his friends and family, it is estimated that over 600,000 fans participated in the one-day event, breaking the record GP attendance.
In 2025, only four GP drew more than 400,000 attendees over the whole race weekend. This included iconic tracks like the Australian Grand Prix (465,000) and the British Grand Prix (500,000).
The event not only included the racing action — with the track, pits, stands, and other F1-related structures — but also involved a fan forum, concerts, and many other unique fan and guest experiences.
After its success, many Argentine fans are hoping for the return of a Grand Prix to Buenos Aires.
Even Colapinto spoke about this dream in the press conference before the event: “Racing a Grand Prix in Argentina is one of the things I want most in this life.
“The track looks good. I was there in January and saw the racetrack before it was dismantled. I went back recently and it looked like a completely different place. Nothing remains of what was there before. They’re rebuilding the track. It’s a huge undertaking. It was necessary. It’s progressing very well. They’re taking all the right steps in terms of how to plan for an F1 race in 2027 or 28. They’re doing everything very well.
“It’s very important to demonstrate on Sunday everything that Formula 1 can attract,” Colapinto had said. And fans showed up for the task.
“F1’s desire to have us on the calendar is very strong. There are many things that, if they align, will work out well. It would be something that would make us all very happy,” the young driver hoped.
Colapinto: “I am truly grateful and recharged for Miami”
After an exciting day that he will remember forever, Franco Colapinto has his eyes set on the next race, as F1 finally returns for the 2026 Miami GP. He concluded: “It was a very special day, I am truly grateful and recharged for Miami. Hopefully Miami will be a good weekend. We’ll keep fighting on track.”
Even Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s team principal, shared his congratulations to Colapinto in social media: “What a day for you @FranColapinto. Bravo Argentina and Buenos Aires for your enthusiastic response to such an amazing event. See you in Miami Franco, so you can tell me all about it!”
Currently, Alpine is P5 in the 2026 F1 constructors’ championship, with 16 points. Colapinto has only managed to get one point so far in the F1 2026 Chinese GP. Still, the Enstone-based team has delivered one of the most surprising performances so far this season.
After switching its in-house Renault engine to a Mercedes powered one, the A526 has positioned Alpine as one of the best within the new 2026 F1 regulations.
