Argentina has taken its first tentative steps towards the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Buenos Aires, but could have to beat several hurdles to get there.
Former Argentine vp Daniel Scioli, who currently serves because the country's tourism minister, led a delegation that also included Argentine Automobile Federation president Cesar Carman in introductory talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
The dream is to see the Argentine Grand Prix return to the calendar on the identical track that last hosted the event, the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez, originally in-built the Nineteen Fifties, ideally using a part of the longer original loop to permit modern cars F1 could have legs, not the cramped and unpopular layout utilized in the Nineties.
The timing of Sciola's attack coincides with Franco Colapinto's F1 appearance with Williams – the 21-year-old is popping heads in several ways.
His on-track performances sparked a sudden interest from Red Bull and his addition to their four-man squad, while off the track Colapinto sparked a surge in fan and sponsor interest in his home country, which only increased as championship wins hit the American continent in his final series of races.
While hundreds of Argentine fans cheered on their latest F1 hero on the Interlagos circuit, Scioli and his delegation introduced themselves to Domenicali during their mission to find out what was needed to bring the series back to the Argentine capital.
“I'm very proud of what Colapinto is achieving as an Argentine,” Scioli told Motorsport.com.
“His charisma, his human qualities and his quality as a driver are great. “At a time when Formula 1 is growing and generating ever greater expectations, this is an event that transcends sport and has a political and social impact.”
Argentine fans watching the Singapore Grand Prix in Pilar, the birthplace of Franco Colapinto in Argentina
Photo: Pilar commune
Asked in regards to the F1 meeting, Scioli replied: “We are beginning to work on the potential of Formula 1 returning to Argentina. Stefano knows Argentina thoroughly and has one of the best memories of our country.
“The meeting was very cordial, taking into consideration that we’re talking about organizing an event that’s probably the most logistically sophisticated of any kind on the earth.
“A whole lot of exertions must be done to attain this goal. We need to work on the racetrack, meeting all the necessities of an event as sophisticated as this.”
Scioli avoided speculating on the timeline, saying “how many years it will take” will “depend on the organization.”
However, he confirmed to Motorsport.com that in keeping with the strict policies of President Javier Milea's libertarian government, the project could have to rely solely on private financing for the project to get off the bottom.
While several Argentine sponsors reminiscent of Mercado Libre and Globant have been quick to follow Colapinto to F1, it stays to be seen whether the country will give you the chance to generate the crucial corporate interest to shoulder the large renovation project required to revive the previous F1 facility in southern Buenos Aires. to modern F1 standards.
With Colapinto yet to search out a long-term job in F1, there’s also no guarantee that the young Argentine will even be on the grid by the point his country is able to host the series.
Motorsport.com understands that F1 has welcomed the rise in interest in Argentina, however the country faces stiff competition to assert a spot on the schedule.
With places on the calendar limited to 24 races per yr, any potential F1 goal might want to present a formidable bid to be considered each commercially and when it comes to long-term sustainability.
F1 continues to have a look at expansion in Asia, with talks ongoing in Thailand and South Korea, and can also be preparing a rotation system for some races in Europe to make room for them on its calendar for 2026 or later.
Rwanda, which is able to host the FIA ​​Awards gala next month, has also emerged as a long-term contender for the race, which might fulfill the long-term goal of hosting a race on the African continent.
Meanwhile, reports from South African government officials suggesting the country is closing in on a return to F1 are considered premature.
