Franco Colapinto: who he is and why he has slim chances of staying in Formula 1 despite being a fan favorite
Juan José Saldaña
November 14, 2024

The name Franco Colapinto is making waves in the Formula 1 paddock. After his surprising debut with Williams at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, the young Argentine driver has impressed with his daring driving style in the closing races of the season. With three Grands Prix left — Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi — Colapinto aims to make the most of every opportunity to secure a spot on next year’s grid. As rumors about his F1 future swirl, teams like Red Bull and Alpine have shown interest in the rising talent from Pilar, Buenos Aires.

Franco Alejandro Colapinto, born on May 27, 2003, began his motorsport career at the age of 9 in karting. After winning multiple championships in Argentina and making a mark at the Youth Olympic Games, his talent took him to Europe, where he quickly climbed through the junior single-seater categories. In 2022, he made his Formula 3 debut with the VAR team, securing wins and poles that caught the attention of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, which supported his promotion to Formula 2 and eventually to F1.

RISE TO F1

Colapinto’s Formula 1 debut was unexpected but promising. In mid-2024, Williams Racing decided to replace American driver Logan Sargeant with the Argentine for the last nine races of the championship, starting at Monza. With five points on the board, Colapinto became the first Argentine driver to race in F1 in over two decades, following Gastón Mazzacane’s stint in 2001.

Colapinto’s entry into the pinnacle of motorsport was no accident. His standout performances in Formula 2, including a win at Imola and podium finishes in Barcelona and Austria, positioned him as one of the most promising talents of the moment. Additionally, his connection with the Williams academy and strong showing in the free practice session at the British Grand Prix opened the doors to his current challenge in F1.

HIS PROSPECTS FOR 2025

Currently, Franco Colapinto’s chances of staying in Formula 1 hinge on several external factors. At Williams, both Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon have existing contracts, making it difficult for him to secure a spot with the British team. Meanwhile, rumors about a potential move to Red Bull have gained traction in recent weeks. It all began when Christian Horner, the team principal of the Austrian squad, was seen talking to members of the Williams team during the São Paulo Grand Prix. Although there have been no official confirmations yet, speculation suggests that the Argentine could join Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2025, with a potential promotion to a full-time seat in 2026.

The future of Franco Colapinto in Formula 1 is filled with uncertainty but also with opportunities. With his proven talent on the track and a strong record in junior categories, the Argentine driver has the potential to remain a key figure on the grid. The upcoming weeks, featuring the last Grands Prix of the season in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, will be crucial in determining his fate in the highest category of motorsport.

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