Leguizamon on Fast Track to F1

After a successful season abroad in the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda Baltazar Leguizamon of Buenos Aires caught the eye of his local Argentinian government. Leguizamon, 17, was one of three Argentinian pilots selected to potentially represent Argentina during its prospected Formula One Grand Prix of Argentina in 2020.

After analyzing dozens of candidates, Diego Santilli, vice mayor of Buenos Aires, and his chief of staff Luis Betnaza, chose three drivers to move forward in the process. Of the three candidates, Leguizamón was the only driver to add Super License Points in past seasons, which are needed to acquire an FIA Grade A License to compete in F1.

“I am excited to be considered to represent Argentina in my countries Grand Prix in 2020,” said Leguizamón, who will compete in the U.S. in the Formula Atlantic and the new Formula 3 Americas Championship this season.

Leguizamón met in the capital earlier this month with Santilli and Betnaza to discuss his future in motorsport. During the summit, Leguizamón pledged to pave the way for future Argentinians who want to race abroad and hopes that his success encourages other drivers to pursue their dreams.

The goal of the Argentine Government is to ensure that Argentina is represented on the 2020 grid so Argentinians vibrate again with the presence of a national pilot on the track. Argentina has not had representation in F1 since Esteban Tuero competed 20 years ago.

“I have always been proud to be from Argentina and have the Argentine flag on my car. To represent my country in the 2020 Grand Prix race in Argentina would be a dream come true,” said Leguizamon.

Within the next three months, Argentina will determine if it can financially support the Grand Prix. When the decision is made to host the race, the government will also confirm the driver who will represent Argentina.