Bizarre: Demo with Franco Colapinto attracts 600,000 spectators in Buenos Aires

The call for a return of Formula 1 to Argentina has further increased after a large-scale demonstration by Franco Colapinto in Buenos Aires. The Alpine driver drove a show run through the streets of the Argentine capital on Sunday, attracting enormous public interest. According to organizational estimates, more than 600,000 spectators attended the event.

Read more Coulthard doubts Kimi Antonelli’s title chances: ‘Must first beat George’

Colapinto, who currently races for Alpine, drove a 2012 Lotus E20, featuring the Enstone team’s 2026 livery, during the event. The demonstration took place in the Palermo district, where Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Sarmiento, among others, were temporarily transformed into an approximately two-kilometer-long street circuit. The show was framed by various festivities and even a fly-by by the historical squadron of the Argentine Air Force. See also the images below.

Colapinto’s popularity in his home country has grown significantly in recent years. The 22-year-old driver made his Formula 1 debut with Williams midway through the 2024 season, becoming the first Argentine F1 driver since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001. After five championship points in nine races, he moved to Alpine in 2025, replacing Jack Doohan. Earlier this season, Colapinto scored his first points for the French team during the Chinese Grand Prix.

Read more Fernando Alonso still refuses to back down despite Aston Martin’s struggles

Read everything about GP Miami here