Felipe Massa: Colapinto Is Audi's Future

Felipe Massa believes Audi F1 should prioritise young talent Franco Colapinto over Valtteri Bottas for the upcoming 2025 season.

Felipe Massa believes Audi should secure the services of the impressive F1 rookie Franco Colapinto for 2025.

The Brazilian aligns with other consultants and former drivers who feel Sauber/Stake F1 should move on from Valtteri Bottas and focus on the future.

Audi/Sauber holds the last significant vacancy on next year’s grid (with Red Bull Racing and RB F1 being in a league of their own). Williams F1 team principal, James Vowles, recently revealed he would be willing to loan out the 21-year-old for both next season and 2026.

“I don’t know what I’ll be doing next year,” Colapinto admitted this week. After replacing Logan Sargeant mid-season, he is set to hand over the seat to Carlos Sainz once the season concludes.

“I want to stay with Williams. I love the team and the way they operate,” the Argentinian added. “I’d love to race for them in the future.”

“As for my other options, I’m not sure, but my Plan A is to remain with the team. They invested a lot in me during my junior career, and I’m grateful for that.”

Vowles, who holds Colapinto under contract, indicated the young driver could serve as a reserve next year. Plan B? Mattia Binotto borrowing him for a few seasons.

“Audi should sign him. It’s really impressive what he’s doing as a driver with no F1 experience. He’s quite mature,” Massa remarked.

“He was aggressive at the start in Singapore, but there were no incidents. In the end, you have to show who you are, and he’s asserting himself.”

“We’ll have to see who gets the opportunity to join Audi because Williams already has both drivers contracted. But surprises can always happen in Formula 1—you never know.”

“I think Argentina has a driver who can stay in Formula 1 for a long time and be competitive. It’s also a huge motivation for the country, which has been going through a significant crisis for years.”

“When you see what (Lionel) Messi does, the impact sport has on people, on fans, and on the country, I think it’s an incredible feeling for Argentina, and it resonates strongly with my native Brazil.”