Argentina steps up F1 return plans: Buenos Aires officials set Miami talks with Liberty Media

A high-level delegation from Argentina will travel to the Miami Grand Prix with a clear objective: demonstrate tangible progress at the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez and position Buenos Aires for a potential return to the Formula 1 calendar.

Miami meeting to showcase concrete progress

The Buenos Aires city government, alongside Grupo OSD, will hold talks next month in Miami with Liberty Media, Formula 1’s commercial rights holder. The goal is to present the advancements made since the project was first introduced to F1 officials at last year’s Miami Grand Prix.

According to Turnes, the difference compared to a year ago is stark.

“Our first meeting with them took place a year ago in Miami. Since then, there has been significant progress, and it is important that we have delivered on the steps we committed to. We can now show something tangible: the circuit is under construction. It is no longer just an ambition – quite the opposite.”

Construction at the Buenos Aires Autodrome is expected to be completed by December.

Two-phase plan and a strategic acceleration

The redevelopment plan is structured in two phases. The first phase is designed to host MotoGP at the start of next year, while the second phase focuses on adapting the circuit for Formula 1.

For F1, the layout would be extended to nearly 5km, compared to the 4.3km configuration planned for MotoGP. However, officials are currently evaluating whether to bring forward key elements of the Formula 1 extension — notably the extended hairpin — in order to strengthen their position in Miami.

“The extension for Formula 1 was not included in phase one. Last week, we discussed whether, for strategic reasons, it would make sense to bring it into phase one rather than leave it for phase two, given the meeting we will have in Miami – and to go there with something concrete, namely that it will be completed. It is a decision we will take in the coming days ahead of Miami,” Turnes explained.

The circuit has already requested Grade 1 homologation, with only a minor modification currently being finalized. As Turnes put it, “We have been ticking off those steps.”

Eyes on a potential 2027 window — Or 2028

Buenos Aires is acutely aware that several contracts on the current Formula 1 calendar are approaching their end, and that venue rotation has already taken place. The broader global context could also influence calendar openings.

“We know that several contracts on the current Formula 1 calendar are coming to an end. There has already been some rotation among venues. And then there is the global context, which could potentially open a window,” Turnes said, referencing the conflict in the Middle East that has already led to the cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

“Clearly, it would be unfortunate if such a window were to arise because of that. But it could ultimately present an opportunity in that scenario. We will likely know more towards the end of the year, around the Qatar Grand Prix. If the situation continues, a window may open, as some of those dates could be dropped in 2027 due to the conflict.”

Still, Turnes acknowledges that 2027 may prove ambitious.

“It is difficult to put a date on it. We would love to have a clear window, because that is important. Personally, if the situation does not change, I see 2027 as more challenging. But 2028 does not feel that far away – and when you think about it, it is actually quite close in time.”

The last time Formula 1 raced in Argentina was in 1998.

Franco Colapinto: the momentum factor

An additional and potentially decisive element in Argentina’s renewed push is Franco Colapinto’s presence in Formula 1. Since his breakthrough in August 2024 with Williams, before moving to Alpine last year, the young driver has generated significant national interest and support.

In the coming weeks, Colapinto is expected to conduct a demonstration run in a Formula 1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires. The timing — ahead of the Miami Grand Prix — is considered strategically advantageous.

“Since we first began working on it, Franco’s visit was always planned either before or after Miami. The fact that the calendar paused has given us the opportunity to stage it ahead of Miami, which, from a strategic standpoint, works in our favour.”

Turnes believes the combination of visible construction progress and a strong public showcase could reinforce Argentina’s case.

“Perhaps that decision – regarding the construction of the extended hairpin for Formula 1 – together with what is coming now with Franco, will add another piece to the puzzle. The image will be that of Argentina’s passion for Formula 1.”

With infrastructure advancing, homologation in motion, and public momentum building, Buenos Aires is preparing to present itself not as a candidate with ambition — but as a venue determined to be ready when Formula 1’s next opportunity arises.