The 2026 Turismo Carretera season kicked off in El Calafate, bringing new brands such as Mercedes and BMW into the mix, which heightened expectations among fans and competitors alike. However, the event quickly turned into a focal point of controversy due to a series of missteps, particularly involving the disqualification of driver Julián Santero, who was driving a debut BMW model. This incident has sparked allegations of sabotage and has cast a shadow over the event, leading to questions about the fairness and integrity of the race.