Franco Colapinto exhibition in Buenos Aires: what, when and where

The streets of Buenos Aires are set to transform into a temporary motorsport arena as Argentine racing talent Franco Colapinto prepares for a high-profile Formula 1 exhibition. The event, centered around the iconic Bosques de Palermo, has generated immense public interest, with free tickets for the designated viewing areas being snapped up in mere minutes. Local authorities estimate that over half a million spectators will descend upon the city to witness the spectacle.

Tbe schedule: what to do and when

The event promises a full day of engagement for fans, beginning at 8:30 a.m. when public access to the viewing areas opens. A dedicated Fan Zone—complete with music, giant screens, and interactive activities—will kick off at 9:00 a.m.

The on-track action will be headlined by Colapinto, who is scheduled to pilot the Renault V8-powered Lotus E20 twice throughout the day: first at 12:45 p.m. and again at 3:15 p.m. In a nod to Argentina’s rich motorsport heritage, the 22-year-old will also take the wheel of the vintage Mercedes-Benz W196—the very machine driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio during one of his five World Drivers’ Championship campaigns—at 2:30 p.m.

The exhibition will conclude at 3:55 p.m. with a celebratory lap on an open-top bus, allowing Colapinto to greet the massive crowds. For those unable to secure a spot trackside, the entire event will be broadcast live via ESPN and the Disney+ Premium streaming service.

Road closures and things to know

To facilitate this massive undertaking, the Buenos Aires City government has implemented a phased series of road closures and traffic restrictions:

• Wednesday, April 22: Initial closures begin on Iraola Av. between Sarmiento and Infanta Isabel for the installation of primary event structures.
• Thursday, April 23: Restrictions expand to include Libertador Av. (between Intendente Bullrich and Casares), Sarmiento Av. (between Figueroa Alcorta and Libertador), and Colombia Av. and Adolfo Berro. These measures include lane reductions and the closure of bike lanes.
• Friday, April 24: Partial closures will be implemented near the Monumento de los Españoles to accommodate technical equipment and giant screens.
• Saturday, April 25: A full closure of Sarmiento Avenue (between Santa Fe and Figueroa Alcorta) will be in effect from 8:00 a.m.

Following the conclusion of the main activities at 4:00 p.m., additional cross-street closures will be enforced, including Sinclair, Godoy Cruz, Buschiazzo, Fray Justo Santa María de Oro, República de la India, Lafinur, República Árabe Siria, and Ugarteche, alongside the block bounded by Infanta Isabel, Iraola, and Presidente Pedro Montt.

For fans following the action, screens will be positioned at key intersections, including Libertador and Casares, Libertador and Cavia, and the Planetarium area at Figueroa Alcorta and Sarmiento.