The revelation of the end-of-season Grands Prix Franco Colapinto still hopes to race as a starter next year and Lewis Hamilton dubs the young Argentinian within the driver community.
Present at a press conference alongside the seven-time World Champion yesterday, Colapinto was able to speak about his immediate and medium-term future.
The rookie still plans to shine in the four events still on the 2024 calendar and does not despair at the idea of remaining on the sidelines next year even if he believes he has earned his place on the grid.
Lack of outlet for 2025
The only seat still available at Sauber/Audi could go to him, but rumors have also echoed of the interest of Red Bull and even Alpine for his services, except that these teams do not have a free place in the short term.
“If Williams cannot give me a steering wheel in the medium term, I think the normal thing would be that I can go elsewhere and find the best opportunity for me in the future,
he claims. That's what I'm trying to achieve. If it’s not next year, I hope it’s 2026 or 2027.”
“I would like to be in Formula 1, he insists. I arrived very late in the year and had an incredible opportunity at Williams thanks to James Vowles. The whole team gave me the confidence to put myself in this position, I had incredible luck that I didn't expect to have this year, and I'm trying to do my best to get the best possible results to show that I deserve a place here.”
With Lewis' blessing
Hamilton immediately reassured him: “With what he has shown so far, Franco proves that he deserves his place in F1, he said. It's good to see young drivers get their chance and then manage to seize it. I wish him the best for the future.”
“It’s incredible to be back on track with Lewis, emphasizes Colapinto. I have dreamed of racing in Formula 1 since I was little and this opportunity is all the more beautiful as I never expected it. Now, obviously, I would like not to be on the reserve bench next year…”
