Buenos Aires sets sights on Formula 1
During the Miami Grand Prix, a meeting is scheduled between Buenos Aires officials and Formula 1 executives to showcase the progress made at the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez, with the goal of being ready should an opportunity arise in the 2027 calendar.
While work continues at the Buenos Aires circuit at a fast pace ahead of the MotoGP World Championship arrival early next year, city officials are simultaneously advancing negotiations to reach an agreement with Formula 1.
Delegation to Miami
A delegation from the Buenos Aires city government, together with the local promoter Grupo OSD, will attend the Miami Grand Prix next month to meet with Liberty Media executives, the company that owns Formula 1.
Led by the Secretariat of Sport, the government body responsible for the negotiations, the meeting could also include representatives from the Secretariat of the Treasury and executives from AUSA, the company overseeing construction at the circuit.
Objectives of the meeting
The meeting’s aim is to demonstrate the progress of construction since the project was shared with Liberty Media during last year’s Miami Grand Prix. “We are following the steps that were requested of us. In every respect — protocol, technical, and operational, working with the consulting group, Tilke, specifically recommended by Liberty,” said Fabian Turnes, Buenos Aires Secretary of Sport, in an interview with Motorsport.com.
“The first meeting we had with them was a year ago in Miami. Since then, there has been a lot of progress, and it’s positive that we have at least followed the steps as promised. Now we can show a reality: the circuit is under construction, which was not just a wish we had, but an actual tangible project.”
Calendar considerations
The current Formula 1 calendar is full in terms of the number of races, but several venues have expressed interest in hosting an event in a championship that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. This has led Formula 1 to consider rotating events in the future.
“We know that today the Formula 1 calendar has contracts expiring. Some rotation of venues has already begun. And then, well, the global situation arises, which perhaps opens a window,” Turnes noted, referring to the Middle East conflict that has already forced F1 to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races in April.
“It’s clear it would be sad if an opportunity arose for this reason. But perhaps it will end up being a chance in this scenario. We’ll know more toward the end of the year, when the Qatar Grand Prix arrives. If the situation continues, maybe a window will open because in 2027 some of these dates could be canceled due to conflict issues.”
Strategic construction decisions
In this context, a decision will soon be made on completing the F1 track project designed by Tilke Engineers & d. This could include expanding a new corner with a 10% banked section reaching the area currently occupied by the karting track.
This intervention was not planned for this year, but the situation may change to demonstrate the seriousness of the project and be ready if an opportunity arises in the F1 calendar. “It wasn’t included in Phase 1. Last week we discussed whether, for strategic reasons, it would be better to include it in Phase 1 and not Phase 2, ahead of this Miami meeting, so we can present something concrete. It’s a decision we will make in the coming days before Miami,” explained Turnes.
Goal: 2028 race
Setting aside the international situation, a more realistic target would be to host a race in the 2028 season. “It’s difficult to set a date. We hope to have a clear picture because it’s important. Personally, I think 2027 seems more challenging. But 2028 isn’t that far away — if you think about it, it’s only a short wait,” he said.
“Our intention is to go to Miami with tangible results. Today, construction is underway. Previously it was a desire or intention; today it is a reality. If we continue according to the planned timeline, we are already well advanced on the entire circuit. Grade 1 homologation has been requested for some time, with a minor adjustment currently being completed. We have made these steps.”
Financial support for Formula 1
Hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix involves very high costs beyond building a suitable track, including an annual fee of tens of millions of dollars. But Turnes does not see this as a problem. “It’s a project we are analyzing at a municipal level, particularly regarding the fee for an F1 date. Today, the country’s economic situation provides some stability; at least in the last two years, there’s been more consistency. Previously, it was even difficult to start construction. Today, this economic stability also gives Liberty Media more reassurance. I think this is an important signal for our collaboration,” he explained.
“The private sector is undoubtedly a key actor. Fortunately, many companies, through Franco Colapinto, with a representative in F1, have approached this world. Important companies that could be part of the race organization.”
“I would say that the economic aspect is not the main issue today. I believe the main challenge is finding a place in the calendar. Previously, perhaps there was space in the calendar but not the financial resources.”
Franco Colapinto’s timely role
The presence of Alpine driver Franco Colapinto in Formula 1 is a crucial factor for the sport’s return to Argentina, generating interest and support since his debut in August 2024. In the coming weeks, he could contribute further with a demonstration on the streets of Buenos Aires, drawing fans and providing a showcase for F1 executives.
“Since we began working on this, Franco’s visit was always planned for before or after Miami. The pause in the calendar gave us the chance to organize it before Miami, which, strategically, I think gives us an advantage,” Turnes said.
“Perhaps the decision regarding the construction of the F1 corner and Franco’s upcoming demonstration are just small steps. But the overall image will be the Argentine passion for Formula 1,” Turnes concluded.
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