FIA president voices support for F1 return to 'historic' country

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has voiced his support for the return of a grand prix event to Argentina. 

The country last featured on the Formula 1 calendar in 1998 and has been absent for nearly three decades, but fresh momentum behind a potential return continues to build.

Argentina's history in Formula 1 stretches back to the very early days of the championship, with the first Argentine Grand Prix held in Buenos Aires in 1953 being the first world championship event to take place outside of Europe.

The country now has a fresh connection through Franco Colapinto, who races for Alpine and has just been confirmed on the 2027 grid alongside Pierre Gasly.

Offering his backing, Ben Sulayem told A24: "I will support the initiative to have an F1 race or the World Rally Championship here in Argentina.

"We need to develop venues for sustainable races, where there is the willingness, the investments, the fans, and the government's power to make it happen.

"Does Argentina deserve to be part of the F1 calendar? The answer is yes. They have history, they have a track record; the first race was held here in 1953."

Argentina is far from the only country pushing for a place on the calendar. Thailand has advanced furthest, with its cabinet approving a proposal for a Bangkok street race reportedly targeting 2028. 

South Africa, Rwanda, South Korea and Turkey have also expressed interest.

With the calendar already running at 24 races in recent seasons and demand from across the globe continuing to grow, finding space for new venues remains one of F1's biggest challenges.