‘Argentina deserves to be on the F1 calendar’: FIA President opens door to return

Formula 1 could be edging closer to a long-awaited return to Argentina after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem voiced his support for the country’s bid to host a Grand Prix again.

Ben Sulayem is currently in Buenos Aires for the FIA American Congress, where he met Argentine President Javier Milei to discuss the future of motorsport in the country. Speaking to national outlet A24 afterwards, the FIA chief said he would support an initiative to bring either Formula 1 or the World Rally Championship back to Argentina.

“I will support the initiative to have an F1 race or the World Rally Championship here in Argentina,” Ben Sulayem said.

Argentina has a rich place in Formula 1 history. The country hosted the first Argentine Grand Prix in 1953 and has produced one of the sport’s most iconic names in five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio. The country has also built a passionate motorsport culture through rallying, touring cars and single-seater racing.

Asked directly whether Argentina deserves a place on the modern F1 calendar, Ben Sulayem delivered an emphatic answer.

“Does Argentina deserve to be part of the F1 calendar? The answer is yes,” he said. “They have history, they have a track record; the first race was held here in 1953. The rally started in 1980, it’s a big deal. There’s a love for motorsport and the economic situation is good; Argentina is better now. So we know it’s feasible.”

However, the FIA President also stressed that sentiment and history alone will not secure Argentina’s place on the Formula 1 schedule.

“We need to develop places where races can be held sustainably, where there is the willingness, the investment, the fans and the support from the Government to make it happen,” Ben Sulayem explained.

He added that Argentina would need to complete the same rigorous process faced by every potential host nation, including creating a viable business plan and finding space on an already crowded F1 calendar.

Ben Sulayem also praised Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, describing the Argentine as a “fantastic driver” and insisting he has a long-term future in Formula 1.

“Colapinto is here to stay,” the FIA President said, while noting that success in F1 depends on both the driver and the team. He added that Colapinto represents Argentina “in the best way, with respect and sporting quality.”

The FIA President said his meeting with Milei focused on growing motorsport and attracting major international championships back to Argentina. For Argentine fans, the message is clear. F1’s return is not guaranteed, but it does at least have support from the sport’s governing body.