Franco Colapinto stepped into Formula 1 mid-season, showcasing raw talent and adaptability in a high-pressure Williams debut.
If there was one driver who certainly wasn’t dreaming of Formula 1 this year, it was Franco Colapinto. The Williams F1 protégé knew he would have FP1 test sessions, but his main focus was on his Formula 2 season.
Impressive at the start, just as he had been in F3, the Argentine, however, didn’t appear to be the most formidable driver on the grid. But his free practice outing in F1 at Silverstone was highly positive, showcasing his strong adaptability.
The doors at Williams seemed to close for 2025 when Carlos Sainz signed to join Alex Albon as a teammate next year, but Colapinto unexpectedly got a faster-than-planned opportunity.
Williams abruptly ended Logan Sargeant’s contract after yet another crash in Zandvoort, one of the most severe and avoidable of the season. Colapinto was then called up to contest the final nine races of the year.
At Monza, he quickly found his rhythm but made a mistake in Q1, relegating him to start from the back of the grid. In Baku, during his second race, he reached Q3 and finished in the points the next day.
From there, he experienced ups and downs. While he quickly matched Albon’s raw speed, his arrival also spurred the Thai driver, who responded and outperformed him on numerous occasions.
Colapinto also learned the hard way about the limits of a Formula 1 car, with crashes notably at Interlagos and Las Vegas. However, he left a strong impression in the paddock, catching the interest of Alpine and, especially, Red Bull for 2025.
Ultimately, he didn’t secure a full-time race seat but became one of the top contenders for a spot in 2026. In the meantime, he will compete in the 2025 season with Williams, undertaking an extensive testing program with older-generation cars.
There is no doubt the 21-year-old driver will return to the grid quickly, especially given his significant financial backing and his massive fanbase across the American continent.
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Championship Position | 19th with 5 points |
| Wins | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 0 |
| Hat Tricks | 0 |
| Grand Slams | 0 |
| Laps Led | 0 |
| Laps Completed | 397 (27.49%) |
| Average Qualifying Position | 15.78 |
| Average Race Position | 11.17 |
| Comparison with Alex Albon | Result |
|---|---|
| Races | 4/4 |
| Qualifying | 7/2 in favor of Alex Albon |
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F1 2024 Season Review – Franco Colapinto F1 2024 Season Review – Franco Colapinto
