Sainz - Albon to Boost Williams’ 2025 F1 Hopes: Colapinto

Colapinto sees Vowles' 2025 choice as beneficial

Franco Colapinto supports Williams’ decision, believing Sainz and Albon will propel the team forward in the 2025 F1 season.

Franco Colapinto reflected on his F1 debut when he took Logan Sargeant’s seat at Williams F1 during the Italian Grand Prix. While his future in the top category beyond 2024 remains uncertain, the Argentine is happy to have achieved his main goal since the beginning of his motorsport career.

“The truth is, it was a big moment for me,” said Colapinto.

“This is what I’ve been working towards for many years, ever since I started karting, and it’s been my dream. It’s partly what motivated me to pursue motorsport and to move to Europe when I was still very young, at the age of 14.”

“I’ve made a lot of sacrifices and faced difficult moments that made me consider returning to Argentina and leaving Europe. But I think, in the end, the magic lies in having overcome those times and having the calm, the ability, and a group of people around me who supported me.”

Colapinto fully understands why Williams set their sights on Carlos Sainz for next season, and he praises the Spanish driver’s talent: “Carlos is a very good driver, I admire him a lot, and his father too. They’re a family with good genes because they’re all very talented at what they do.”

“Carlos is a great driver, and he’s reached where he is through a lot of hard work. It was also very tough for him. He represents his country very well. I think he’s going to have a very positive year with Alex [Albon]. They are two great drivers at Williams, and they will help the team progress, so I hope he does very well.”

Slim chances of being on the F1 grid in 2025

Franco Colapinto admits his chances of securing the last spot on the Formula 1 grid for next year are slim.

The only remaining seat is at Sauber, alongside Nico Hulkenberg, and Colapinto doubts he can secure it.

“It’s my dream to stay in Formula 1, that’s what I’m working for. I take it race by race.”

“This year, I had an incredible opportunity, and I grabbed it with both hands, but my goal is to stay in Formula 1. I’m here to stay, that’s the reality, so I’m doing my best to show everyone what I’m capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1.”

“I’m doing well right now, so everything is heading in the right direction. But of course, regarding the seat, it looks very difficult for next year. I’m not thinking about 2025, not really, I’m fully focused on this year and on what we need to do to make the most of the great opportunity I have in 2024 and to finish the year on a high, then we’ll see what I do in 2025. There will be time to think in December, when the year ends, about what I’m going to do.”