Franco Colapinto, the young and talented Argentinian driver, is making waves in his debut Formula 1 season, turning heads with a points-scoring finish at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The 21-year-old, who stepped in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, has already made a name for himself with his calm and composed driving style, showcasing his potential to become a rising star in the sport. His rapid progression has caught the eye of team principal James Vowles and the rest of the Formula 1 paddock, sparking interest from several top teams.
Colapinto’s F1 journey began on a solid note during his debut at the Italian Grand Prix, where he managed to climb from 18th on the grid to finish 12th. However, it was at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where Colapinto truly showcased his potential. Starting from a challenging position on the grid, he charged through the field to finish in eighth place, securing his first career points. His impressive performance came just two seconds behind his more experienced teammate, Alex Albon, and notably, Colapinto outqualified the former Red Bull driver, adding to his growing reputation.
“What really stands out is his calmness under pressure,” said Vowles, reflecting on Colapinto’s early performances. “In Formula 1, the pressure can be immense, especially for young drivers stepping into the spotlight, but Franco handles it with incredible grace. His radio communications show just how composed he is, always asking for more information, which is a sign of a driver who can thrive in high-stress environments.”
Colapinto’s exceptional showing in Azerbaijan has already led to speculation about his future in Formula 1, with rumors swirling about a potential seat at Sauber for the 2025 season. As the team transitions to become Audi’s factory outfit in 2026, there has been widespread belief that experienced driver Valtteri Bottas and Formula 2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto were the frontrunners for the Sauber seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg. However, Colapinto’s strong performances, along with his solid sponsorship backing, have thrust him into serious contention for a place in the lineup.
Williams team principal Vowles, who has been instrumental in Colapinto’s development, is already working on finding the young driver a long-term spot in the sport. Although Williams is currently committed to a driver lineup featuring Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, Vowles has expressed his determination to help Colapinto secure a permanent seat, whether at Williams or elsewhere.
“He’s done an extraordinary job,” Vowles said. “Scoring points in only your second Grand Prix and competing so closely with a much more experienced teammate like Alex is quite remarkable. Franco has shown that he has the potential to be a future star in the sport.”
Colapinto’s adaptability and ability to handle unfamiliar circuits have also been noted as key strengths. His performance in Monza gave fans a glimpse of his capabilities, but it was in Baku where his talent truly shone. Despite the added challenge of competing on a street circuit, Colapinto immediately made his presence felt, impressing in FP1 and handling every setback with maturity.
“With six races left in the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Colapinto as he continues to make his mark,” Vowles added. “His ability to deliver under pressure on new tracks is impressive, and that’s what you want from a driver in Formula 1.”
The remaining races of the 2024 season will be crucial for Colapinto as he continues to fight for a permanent spot in Formula 1. Whether he remains with Williams or finds a new opportunity elsewhere, it’s clear that Colapinto has the skill, composure, and determination to succeed at the highest level of motorsport. As teams finalize their driver lineups for 2025, the young Argentinian is proving that he belongs on the grid, and his growing fanbase will be eager to see where his journey takes him next.
