Franco Colapinto Brings F1 Back to Buenos Aires in Alpine Road Show
On April 26, 2026, the sound of Formula 1 echoed once again through the streets of Buenos Aires as Franco Colapintobrought a Formula 1 car back to his home city in spectacular fashion.
An estimated 600,000 fans gathered around the iconic Monumento de los Españoles for the “Mercado Libre presents: Franco Colapinto Road Show Buenos Aires 2026,” one of the largest crowds ever seen for a Formula 1 demonstration and transforming the Argentine capital into a sea of motorsport passion.
Behind the wheel of the 2012 Lotus E20, Colapinto delivered a memorable show along Avenida del Libertador. High-speed runs, burnouts, and donuts were met with deafening cheers, the crowd at times rivaling the unmistakable roar of the V8 engine. Between runs, the hometown driver even found moments to wave at fans lining every available inch of the 2 km course.
The occasion carried historic significance. Colapinto became the first Argentine to drive a Formula 1 car on the streets of Buenos Aires, a symbolic return of the sport to a country with deep Grand Prix roots.
Born in Pilar, just north of the capital, Colapinto’s journey has taken him from karting in Spain to single-seater racing across the globe. On this day, however, the road led back home.
The event also paid tribute to Argentina’s rich motorsport heritage. A replica of the legendary Mercedes-Benz W196, the car that carried Juan Manuel Fangio to glory, made a special appearance, linking past and present in front of an adoring crowd.
Beyond the on-track action, fans were treated to live entertainment and a stage appearance from Colapinto, turning the road show into a full-day celebration of Formula 1.
““Wow, what an amazing feeling to be able to drive at home and especially to enjoy the day with so many fans! It’s such a special moment for me to be able to drive a Formula One car on the Buenos Aires streets, truly one of the best days of my life.” ”
For that one day, Buenos Aires was the center of the motorsport world.
Photography provided by © Renault Group
