Ahead of the 2026 F1 Miami GP, Franco Colapinto made an appearance back home in Buenos Aires and made history. The Argentinian driver got behind the wheel of the 2012 E30 F1 car powered by a V8 Renault engine and a replica of the Mercedes-Benz W196, for a special showcase.
Colapinto became the first Argentinian to drive an F1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires. He now hopes that F1 will make its return to Argentina.
Colapinto on driving an F1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires
The 22-year-old fulfilled a childhood dream by driving an F1 car in his home country. However, the experience was even more special for Colapinto because of the fans’ reception.
“I think when I was very young, I dreamt of having a show like that. And I never thought it was possible to put so many people in one place. To have so much support, and to see them so passionate, and to see them enjoying so much. From the balconies, from the streets, and you could see, like, really front, but then there was like hundreds of metres back. They could just hear the engine roar, but they couldn’t see the car. They were still there, supporting and cheering for me.”
Colapinto on bringing F1 to his fans and family in Buenos Aires
Colapinto shared that the F1 showcase in Buenos Aires was also a way for him to give back to the fans. The event had allowed him to bring F1 to the Argentinian fans for once, allowing them to enjoy it from home rather than travel to support him. He added that he was grateful for their support and for the opportunity to acknowledge it.
“You know, they have been very supportive in the past, and I’m glad I could bring them a Formula One car to them. And bring them a really good show. Instead of them having to travel so much and sacrifice so much to see me racing in a weekend. It’s something I wanted to do. I know how much sacrifices they have to make to come and support me to our race weekend. And the fact that I had the opportunity of bringing them the show was cool, it was very unique.”
The F1 showcase in Buenos Aires also provided the opportunity for Colapinto’s family to watch him drive an F1 car for the first time.
“My family was there, my friends, my grandma, which, you know, they never get to see me in the race as a racing driver. It was also a nice thing for them and for me to do.”
The possibility of returning Argentina to the F1 calendar
Colapinto believes that his F1 showcase in Buenos Aires could be the first step in bringing the sport back to Argentina. He hopes his performance on the streets of Buenos Aires is evidence that the country will be a good feature on the race calendar.
“Yeah, I think, well, you can always explain it, but it’s much easier to show it with videos or pictures. You know, what it can actually happen in a race if it actually happens in Argentina. I think it’s a great way of showing what they can do and how much good Argentina will do in Formula One.“
The 22-year-old added that Motorsport has continued to rise in popularity among Argentinians in recent years. He also spoke highly of the enthusiasm of Argentinian fans, saying it would shock F1.
“It would be massive, and motorsport is probably the second sport in Argentina after football. It’s been so many years without a Formula One race and without a Formula One driver from Argentina in the sport. Now it’s growing more and more with the races and the months. I think it would be a very special moment if a race actually happens there. They would all be very surprised of how passionate the fans are and what it will create.“
Colapinto shares his reaction to 600,000 fans showing up at his F1 showcase in Buenos Aires
More than half a million fans crowded the streets of the Palermo neighbourhood to catch a glimpse of Colapinto in an F1 car. For the Alpine driver, it was a momentous moment watching the crowd while he drove laps through the streets.
“Yeah, it was a lot of people. It was very impressive to see them from the track at the end. I went to do a few laps and to wave them. I ran a little bit, and I just made a few. It was really impressive to see them from the top, it was hundreds of metres back and back, just full of people and full of faces. It was really impressive, it was a very unique moment, a very cool experience.”
Among the 600,000 fans was Colapinto’s grandmother, who watched the 22-year-old drive an F1 car for the first time.
“I don’t know how it was for her, but I think it was one of the best days of her life. She was really happy.”
When asked if the V8 engine was too loud for her, the Argentinian shared that she already has a problem hearing and the playful conversation he had with her after.
“Yes, not because she’s a bit deaf already. I told her, hopefully I didn’t make you even more deaf after this.”
Colapinto hopes to race on home ground one day
While there are conversations on bringing F1 back to Argentina, there has yet to be any official announcement made. However, he thinks these conversations set a solid foundation for what could be a potential grand prix in his home country. Colapinto added that his F1 showcase in Buenos Aires is evidence that the country is suitable to host, and he shared his hopes for another grand prix in South America.
Most of all, Colapinto hopes to be able to race on home soil one day.
The F1 São Paulo Grand Prix, held annually at Interlagos, is currently the sole F1 race in South America.
“I don’t know what’s missing because I have no idea about the conversation. I think there are some conversations that are quite advanced. Again, I think this is a great base and a great way of showing what an Argentine Grand Prix can be like. With a good organisation like we had on Sunday, it can be possible, and it can be very good. It can be really positive to have another South American Grand Prix. Of course, it will be one of my dreams to race in my home country. It will be very special. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”
