Bulldozers start 'painful' demolition of historic F1 circuit as major change beckons

The Autódromo de Buenos Aires Oscar y Juan Gálvez, as the Buenos Aires circuit is formally known, was a regular addition on the F1 calendar in the past.

Between 1953 and 1998, the Argentine Grand Prix was held at the venue on 20 occasions. In addition, the circuit was also popular with motorcycling fans, with nine races equivalent to what is now known as MotoGP.

After the turn of the century, however, the circuit became increasingly obsolete. There was not enough money to host major events or to thoroughly renovate it.

Currently, the circuit only holds a Grade 4 license, which means it is not allowed to stage renowned car or motorsports events, such as F1 or MotoGP. But that is about to change.

As part of a major project to obtain a Grade 2 license, and at least welcome back MotoGP initially in 2027, the old pit complex is being demolished to make way for a more modern facility 

Beyond that, work will then gradually be undertaken toward securing a Grade 1 license, and potentially welcome back Formula 1.

With the work in full swing, Argentine journalist Dario Coronel shares images of the demolition on X.

He wrote: "The demolition work on the pit boxes has begun. They were built in 1994. It's a painful sight, but a renovation is coming. Let's hope it regains its former international glory. Its nearly 74-year history (09/03/1952) certainly justifies that."

View the demolition of the Autódromo de Buenos Aires Oscar y Juan Gálvez below.