Franco Colapinto’s swift ascent in Formula 1 has ignited Argentina’s passion, but fame comes with both excitement and challenges.
Franco Colapinto is living a dream in this latter half of the season: now driving for Williams F1 in place of Logan Sargeant (though he will have to make way for Carlos Sainz next year), the Argentine has also been competing in races where his popularity is set to soar.
Indeed, at the upcoming Grands Prix in Austin, Mexico, and Las Vegas, Latin American fans are expected to turn out in droves to support the native of Pilar, a suburb of Buenos Aires.
“I’ve really been looking forward to this weekend,” Franco Colapinto enthuses, referring to the Grand Prix in Austin.
“It’s something very special, of course. I’ve spent my entire career racing in Europe, maybe a weekend in Australia or somewhere like that, but I’ve never raced in America, and it’s the closest place to home for me. So, I’ve really been anticipating these three rounds (Austin, Mexico, and Las Vegas).”
“My dream would be to race in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, but that’s not possible yet. These are the three closest races we have, and I know many fans will be there. I know a lot of fans will come to Mexico, and even more in Brazil, so it’s almost going to feel like a home race, at least in Brazil, and I’m very excited about that.”
“I have a lot of support from Argentine fans, and racing close to home is something I’ve been waiting for and dreaming about. Now, it’s happening. So yes, it’s very exciting. I’m really happy to be here, of course, as an F1 driver, and to have the chance to race near Argentina is very special.”
Franco Colapinto seems to have rekindled Argentina’s passion for F1. Though he hasn’t been able to witness it firsthand, he says the enthusiasm from fans back home is reportedly overwhelming.
“I haven’t been to Argentina yet, so I don’t know exactly what it’s like there, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a bit of madness.”
“I love the support I’m getting from the fans; it’s very special. I don’t see any other F1 driver receiving as much support from their fans as I do.”
“It shows how important it is, and it gives you that extra push. Receiving all these messages of encouragement, seeing the fans come to the races to support you, it’s really nice. It motivates you to go that extra mile, and knowing that what you do—the challenges you face in the races—makes them so happy when you do well.”
“They appreciate that you’re in F1, it’s something very special, and I’m really proud to be the next Argentine in F1, seeing all these kids who are absolutely thrilled. They’re so happy to see a Formula 1 driver from their country for the first time, and these youngsters are getting into motorsport because they think, ‘Wow, I love F1,’ and they take up the sport. Motorsport in Argentina is really growing because of that.”
“So, it’s fantastic what’s happening back home in the country. Sport means a great deal to Argentinians, especially recently with the World Cup, and now with F1 and many other things. It’s very important for us, as a country, to have a Formula 1 driver, and it’s really great.”
Franco Colapinto also mentioned receiving support from several Argentine football stars…
“Yes, some footballers have been in touch, and they’ve been very supportive, just like all the Argentine fans.”
“It’s something very important for the country, and they’re simply enjoying the moment.”
“Perhaps some of the players will come to some of the remaining races, just to watch, which will be great. It’s amazing to have so much support from so many athletes in my country.”
A celebrity status not so easy to handle
However, Franco Colapinto also has to deal with the challenges of newfound fame: he can no longer just casually “drop by” a well-known fast-food chain!
“The thing is, I don’t feel like a hero, I feel… the same as I did two years ago, when no one knew me, and now everyone stops me, and I’m wondering, ‘Why are you stopping me? Why do you want a photo?'”
“And then I realise, or I go to say hello to someone, and I’m like, ‘Hi, I’m Franco,’ and they reply, ‘Yes, we know.'”
“It’ll come with time, once I start getting used to it a bit more, but it’s a bit tricky. There are a lot of good things, but also some downsides. I’d love to eat a cheeseburger at McDonald’s with loads of cheese, but maybe I can’t do that anymore because they’re asking for photos now. So, you have to be a bit more careful, and I’m working on that.”
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Argentine Hero Colapinto: Fame Brings Joy and New Challenges Argentine Hero Colapinto: Fame Brings Joy and New Challenges
