Argentinian President Javier Milei and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opened the 2026 FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, with discussions focused on expanding motorsport and developing mobility across Argentina and the Americas.
The three-day Congress, hosted by the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), has brought together representatives from 32 FIA Member Clubs across North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Ben Sulayem met Milei on Monday before the Congress opened, with the pair discussing closer cooperation between Argentina and motorsport’s governing body.
Their talks included Argentina’s ambitions to attract Formula 1 and other FIA World Championships, as well as road safety, accessibility and sustainable transport.
Milei said Argentina had the foundations required to bring major international motorsport back to the country: The Argentine Automobile Club has made an enormous contribution to national motorsport, and Argentina is a country that loves cars.
“The Argentine passion for racing is timeless. That is why I invite you to dream with me. Argentina has all the conditions necessary to once again welcome Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship onto its calendar.”
Milei targets Formula 1 and WRC return
“We have the tradition. We have the drivers. And now we are once again developing the institutional seriousness that these categories demand before choosing a country. We have absolutely everything,” Milei insisted.
Argentina last hosted a Formula 1 World Championship race in Buenos Aires in 1998, but interest in bringing the championship back has increased alongside the emergence of Argentinian Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto.
Milei said the FIA Congress could help provide momentum towards a return: “It is time to accelerate at full speed in this direction, and I invite you to make this FIA American Congress the first step towards that return.”
Ben Sulayem praised the country’s motorsport heritage and fanbase: “It was an honour to meet with President Milei and to open the FIA American Congress together here in Buenos Aires. Argentina has an extraordinary history in motor sport and a passionate community of fans, competitors and volunteers.”
A long proud history in motorsport 
“We discussed how we can build on that heritage, create new opportunities for the next generation and support Argentina’s ambition to bring more international motor sport to the country,” added the FIA chief.
The meeting followed Ben Sulayem’s recent talks with Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña as the FIA strengthens its relationships with governments and Member Clubs across South America.
Argentina has a long history in motorsport, led by five-time Formula 1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, while the ACA has operated in the country for more than 122 years.
While Argentina is clearly bullish about the Grand Prix returning, ultimately FOM decides where the sport goes to race. The FIA has the final regulatory sign-off that turns that commercial plan into an official World Championship round.