Franco Colapinto’s impressive Baku performance has sparked Audi F1’s interest, hinting at a potential seat shuffle in 2025.
Saying Franco Colapinto made an impression in the F1 paddock at Baku, scoring points in only his second Grand Prix on the challenging city circuit, is an understatement. And considering him for an F1 seat in 2025 is already a burgeoning idea.
According to early rumors, Mattia Binotto has reached out to James Vowles, the director of Williams F1, to explore if Colapinto could be loaned to Stake F1 / Audi F1. With Williams having secured long-term deals with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, this may not be a foolish option.
The Argentine shone throughout the weekend, except for a minor crash during the Free Practice.
And James Vowles was very pleased with the 10 points scored on Sunday by Albon (7th) and Colapinto (8th) at the finish.
“Ten points, that’s fantastic, what a feeling! And for Franco, his first points as a Williams driver, his first points in F1 in his second race, that’s outstanding,” said Vowles.
“It was a very good race for us, we were able to perform with the updates. We were in Q3 at Zandvoort, in Q3 at Monza, and in Q3 here, but this weekend, both cars made it.”
“We tried two strategies to battle against Fernando, but they are solid, he’s a very experienced driver and it was tough to get ahead of him. They had better degradation compared to Alex, but the pace is there or almost.”
“At the end of the race, Franco did a great job staying a few seconds behind Alex and seizing any opportunity that came up, and that’s what happened. Kudos to the drivers, it’s very tough to make a single stop here and have to attack and push the tires to the max of their life without making a mistake.”
For Colapinto, “it’s a fantastic feeling, to be honest. I’m very happy, very proud of the team. What we’ve achieved together is incredible, and I’m thrilled with the work we’ve done. A lot of effort goes into earning these points, and we’ve already moved up a position in the constructors’ championship. It’s only my second race together, and we’ve scored a lot of points with Alex, so it’s simply an incredible result for the team.
“I’m very happy for them; they deserve it, so yes, let’s keep it up. It’s very special, a dream come true. It’s still a long season, and we have many more races together, but it’s a good start. Very motivating for the next race.”
Understandably, the Argentine was surrounded by rumors of a possible seat in 2025.
“It won’t be with Williams since the team has chosen Carlos. And I understand. The truth is, I greatly admire Carlos, and he has reached where he is with a lot of effort. I know it’s been very hard for him too.”
“At the same time, it’s a very important moment for me. The trust that James has shown me, the opportunity he’s given me, is something I greatly appreciate. That he took the risk—it’s the reality—of changing drivers mid-season. I want to show that he made the right choice.”
“Williams has shown so much trust by putting me in a seat. It was a very tough bet, and a bet that many people didn’t understand. But I’m here to show what I’m capable of and that I deserve a spot in Formula 1.”
“The idea and opportunity that James gave me help show that. I’m doing a lot of work to try to learn quickly. Will this help me for 2025? I don’t know. We all know there’s really only one seat left to assign (Stake F1), and it’s already flattering to be in the rumors.”
“As for the rest, it’s not for me to decide.”
So, is Vowles ready to release him for Stake / Audi F1? Apparently yes!
“Of course, he will remain a member of the Williams family, but I also hope he can continue to race elsewhere. I want to give Colapinto a seat for 2025 and ideally in Formula 1. In reality, there’s only one team left, we’ll see what we can do there.”
“In two races, Colapinto has shown the world that he deserves a seat in Formula 1. We will see what the possibilities are at Audi and if we can find a way to work together.”
Does he regret not testing Colapinto earlier, instead of Sargeant? Which could have led to an Albon – Colapinto duo in 2025?
“I don’t see it that way. And I think Albon and Sainz are still the right team for Williams, as we continue to make progress and want to fight for the title soon. Nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of what Franco has accomplished.”
If RB F1 does announce Liam Lawson replacing Daniel Ricciardo in 2025, an announcement expected this week or in Singapore, it would boost Colapinto’s chances. He would then be in contention with Valtteri Bottas for the last seat. Mattia Binotto could also take the time, if an agreement with Williams can be found, to judge Colapinto over more races… at the risk of further frustrating the Finn, who is still waiting.
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Williams F1 Mulls Loaning Colapinto to Audi Williams F1 Mulls Loaning Colapinto to Audi
