Franco Colapinto: A Future Star in Formula 1?
The 2024 Formula 1 season became an abysmal season for the Williams team. Millions of dollars in damages in crashes led to the early departure of the American driver, Logan Sargeant.
In his place, Franco Colapinto, from Formula 2, was bought in for the remainder of the season. So, what did we learn from his performance?
Colapinto Sets High Expectations
After the Dutch Grand Prix, Williams announced they would replace Logan Sargeant with Franco Colapinto. At first, it became satisfactory to the team as Colapinto’s debut at the Italian Grand Prix saw the Argentinian driver finish 12th place.
But wait! The bar would be set higher, one race later, around the city streets of Azerbaijan with the new Williams driver finishing eighth.
Not only scoring four points for the Oxfordshire-based team, but add another six with his team-mate, Alex Albon finishing seventh.
Taking 10 points back to Grove for the team to celebrate their success. But Colapinto’s stardom would not end there.
9 Races to Showcase His Prowess
From Italy to Abu Dhabi, the Argentinian driver did not shy away from the midfield battle even in the fight for points.
Only scoring five points through his substitute stint with the team, Franco displayed incredible determination to fight amongst the midfield teams.
Even though Colapinto’s standout moment was in Azerbaijan, he was impressed at the United States Grand Prix, scoring his fifth and final point for the team.
While his predecessor failed to score points, Colapinto was able to demonstrate that he deserved an opportunity within the pinnacle of motorsport.
Not Williams but Alpine
After the conclusion of the Formula 1 2024 season, questions remained as to where the Argentinian would go in 2025.
As Alex Albon’s teammate, this was confirmed in July 2024. Now former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz was announced to have signed with Williams on a multi-year deal.
Although this announcement did not sway Colapitno’s performance on track or hurt his opportunities, Franco found a glimpse of hope with the French team of Alpine.
As the 2025 driver market neared its end, Franco found his opportunity at the Enstone team, not as a full-time driver but as a reserve driver.
However, there are rumours that the Argentinian is already in favour of replacing newly signed Alpine driver, Jack Doohan.
Will Colapinto take over from Doohan?
Six weeks after the confirmation that Alpine signed Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto was welcomed to the team as their reserve driver.
A few days later, according to Planet F1, Executive Director for Alpine, Flavio Briatore, would emphasise that Doohan’s contract was not guaranteed for a full Formula 1 season.
“We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack, I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses.”
The Italian businessman would further state:
“If there’s a driver who isn’t making progress, who isn’t bringing me results, I change him. You can’t be emotional in F1.”
Overall
Flavio’s announcement that Jack Doohan’s position is already in question would demoralise Doohan and give Colapinto confidence.
Confidence that this opportunity to showcase his race craft one more could be this season rather than waiting for the 2026 driver market.
But with only nine races on his Formula 1 racecraft, will Colapinto's experience be enough for Alpine to reconsider their line-up?
Or can Jack Doohan do enough to sway the naysayers to keep his seat alongside Pierre Gasly?