The driver is preparing to experience a historic moment in his hometown, with a spectacular exhibition that will bring Formula 1 action to the streets of Buenos Aires.
Alpine driver Franco Colapinto is ready for the massive crowd that will welcome him on Sunday in Buenos Aires for a special road show event.
The event, officially named “Mercado Libre presents: Franco Colapinto Road Show Buenos Aires 2026”, will take place on Sunday in the Palermo district. Avenida Del Libertador and Sarmiento will be transformed into a temporary urban circuit of approximately 2 km, marking the return of a Formula 1 car to the streets of the Argentine capital after 14 years—the last exhibition being held in 2012 with Daniel Ricciardo.
The initiative also serves as a tribute to Argentina’s passion for motorsport and a symbolic step toward a potential return of a Formula 1 Grand Prix to the future calendar, with the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez currently undergoing major renovation works. City authorities have implemented an extensive traffic restriction plan and security measures affecting the district for several days, with the route extending southward toward the intersections of Casares and Ugarteche.
An enormous turnout is expected, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of fans, while paid grandstand tickets sold out within minutes. For those who missed out, free-access viewing areas will remain available along parts of the circuit.
The cars and the day’s schedule
The main attraction will be the Lotus E20 from 2012, powered by a Renault V8 engine and wearing Alpine’s official livery. This historic Formula 1 car will allow fans to experience the authentic sound and raw performance of a true F1 machine. The schedule includes multiple track sessions: the first run with the Lotus is planned around 12:45, followed by a highly emotional moment at 14:30 when Franco Colapinto will take the wheel of the legendary “Flecha de Plata” associated with Juan Manuel Fangio.
A second Lotus session is scheduled for 15:15, while at approximately 15:55 the driver will complete a lap of the circuit in an open vehicle to greet the crowd directly. The fan zone will open as early as 08:30, with two large screens installed in public squares to follow the action, interviews, and musical entertainment, including a performance by the City Symphony Orchestra starting at 11:00. Access will be managed through two main entrances to ensure smooth flow.
Franco Colapinto’s statements
During the press conference, Franco Colapinto shared his emotional thoughts. He said that returning to Argentina is something extremely special that completely recharges him: “Coming back to Argentina is something really special. It recharges me. I really enjoy being back home. Look where we’ve ended up. I’m trying to enjoy all of this fully and live it to the maximum.”
He added that driving a Formula 1 car at home will be one of the most special moments of his life, a way to give back at least part of the love he has received since childhood: “Driving a Formula 1 car at home will be one of the most special moments of my life. It’s my way of giving back, even if only in a small way, all the support and love I’ve received since I was very young.”
On the dream of racing a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Argentina, the driver expressed strong optimism regarding the ongoing circuit redevelopment: “Racing a Grand Prix in Argentina is one of the things I want most in life. The track looks in good condition… they are rebuilding it. It’s a huge project. It’s going very well… they are doing everything the right way.”
He also emphasized the importance of the exhibition in showcasing Formula 1’s global appeal: “It’s crazy… F1 coming here and international media attending is something unique… The way people feel when they see a Formula 1 car on track. It’s hard to explain to Europeans. The easiest way is to show them. I hope it’s an amazing day and I hope it brings Formula 1 back here.”
Regarding the so-called “francomania”, Franco Colapinto reacted with humility and surprise: “Francomania… how embarrassing! I don’t really know why… I don’t have an answer, but something very different has emerged… I didn’t expect something so wonderful and such a large fanbase outside the world of motorsport to develop… My big goal is to leave a mark, for people to want to listen to me even beyond sport.”
He admitted he is still not fully aware of the scale of what is happening: “I have the feeling that I don’t fully adapt and I don’t fully understand the amount of work I’m doing. I don’t grasp its magnitude. But I have to get used to it.”
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled the sacrifices and determination required: “To achieve any goal, you have to make many sacrifices… If you truly believe in what you want to achieve, your mindset stays strong.”
He concluded by reflecting on the dream achieved and the new ambitions ahead: “I have achieved my dream, and it’s something truly special. The amazing thing is that when you achieve one, many more are born. And I am a nonconformist… It’s crazy! It’s like I’m coming back down to earth, but when I think about everything we’ve been through… everything becomes incredible.”
Media coverage and broader significance
The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on Disney+ Premium, as well as through the Flow, Telecentro Play, and DGO platforms. The press conference featured Colapinto alongside Iván De Pineda and concluded with the presentation of a symbolic gift to the driver. This road show represents not only a sporting exhibition but also a bridge between Formula 1 and Argentine fans, an opportunity to celebrate the country’s motorsport heritage and to build excitement for a potential future return of the Formula 1 World Championship to Argentina.
Franco Colapinto experiences these days as a unique opportunity to give back the affection of the fans and to inspire younger generations, confirming his role as a national sporting symbol. The atmosphere in Buenos Aires is one of major celebration, with the driver embodying the realization of a dream built through seven intense years of sacrifice, determination, and belief.
In summary, Franco Colapinto’s roadshow in Buenos Aires is a powerful testament to the enduring bond between Argentina and Formula 1. By showcasing both historic and modern machinery, the event highlights the country’s readiness to return to the global stage while celebrating a homegrown talent who continues to inspire fans across the nation.
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