Lewis Hamilton has been working at bringing back the South African GP (Image: Getty)
’s bid to get the South African Grand Prix back on the calendar has discovered another hitch with Argentina emerging as another new contender to host an F1 race. The South American nation is witnessing a boost in the sport’s popularity following Franco Colapinto’s emergence.
Hamilton has been and the most likely destination for a race there would be South Africa, given their previous experience in the sport. Kyalami most recently played host in 1993, although there is work to be done to bring it back up to standards.
Hamilton’s ambition is clear. At the season finale in Abu Dhabi last year he said: “I’m working in the background to get South Africa on the race. That’s like such a dream for me. I’ve gotta stay until they get that race…”
However, while South Africa is a compelling option for F1 and , spaces on the calendar are extremely limited, and they are facing stiff competition from Rwanda, South Korea and Thailand, all of whom have held talks over hosting their own Grands Prix.
Now Argentina have entered the mix. The South American nation is better known for its footballing exploits in global sport, but have a rich motorsport history and provides extensive and loyal support to its drivers.
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Franco Colapinto’s emergence has boosted F1’s popularity in Argentina (Image: Getty)
experienced a similar boom when Argentine touring car legend Agustin Canapino signed on with Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2023, and Colapinto’s emergence as one of F1’s hottest prospects has produced a near-identical impact for and the series as a whole.
To capitalise on the boom, Argentina is now looking into hosting duties. Speaking to La Agencia de Viajes, government minister for tourism, environment and sport, Daniel Scioli, confirmed that the nation’s interest is real.
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“I spoke with President Javier Milei and the secretary-general of the presidency Karina Milei in order to coordinate all efforts so that Argentina can once again host a Formula One race,” Scioli explained. He also has plans to attend the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo next month.
There are obstacles for Argentina to overcome if it wants to return to the calendar for the first time since 1998 though. The most obvious candidate for a location would be the Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez, although the circuit must first undergo extensive renovation work to achieve the necessary FIA grading.