When the Argentine Grand Prix could return to the F1 calendar if Franco Colapinto stays on the grid

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Franco Colapinto’s arrival onto the Formula 1 grid has bosoted the popularity of the sport in his native Argentina.

There were significant numbers of Argentinian fans supporting their home hero in Brazil last time out at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Colapinto was brought in to replace the crash-prone Logan Sargeant at Williams ahead of the Italian Grand Prix and finished on the fringes of the points.

The Argentinian has developed in confidence since his debut, and scored points in Azerbaijan and at the United States Grand Prix.

Argentina hasn’t been on the calendar since 1998 as Formula 1 began racing in Malaysia the following season.

Adrian Puente explained on Fox Sports Argentina that if Colapinto stays on the grid, the return of Formula 1 to the country could be on the horizon.

The Argentine Grand Prix may return to the F1 calendar in 2027

The calendar features more races than ever before, with 24 this season and the same venues being reshuffled slightly for next year.

Argentina is facing competition from many nations to join the calendar. A race in Madrid is already confirmed for 2026, while South Africa continues to push for a race at Kyalami for the first time since 1993.

The Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez was used the last time Formula 1 visited Argentina. The circuit needs significant investment to get back up to an FIA Grade 1 standard required to host a Grand Prix.

Puente explained that 2027 is the earliest possible date for Formula 1 to return to Argentina, but the resources need to be available.

He said: “The meeting was exploratory, Argentina explored if there was interest on the part of Formula 1 to organise a race and Formula 1 explored what resources Argentina really has for this to happen in a more or less reasonable time.

“Today its not possible, not next year and the year after that its difficult. First you have to make sure that the resource is available.

“A long-term Argentine driver is one of the things that enhances the chances of Franco Colapinto, regardless of the team can also continue in F1 starting in Argentina being convinced that he can absorb the realisation of a Grand Prix.”

Franco Colapinto is still searching for an F1 seat ahead of the 2025 season

He suffered a difficult Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which ended in the wall before the pit straight. This ended a good run of form, and Colapinto’s driving has been compared to Carlos Sainz’s.

Williams doesn’t have any availability for next season as they are already committed to Alex Albon and Sainz as they look to push forward.

Colapinto’s options are continuing to narrow as Sauber have chosen Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg at the Swiss team.

There could be an opening at RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda if Red Bull part ways with Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson is chosen to replace him.

Colapinto has also been linked to Red Bull but it may be a risky move to partner the Argentinian alongside Max Verstappen so early in his career.