F1 icon Emerson Fittipaldi has warned European drivers that Latin American drivers are making a comeback at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Last season saw the arrival in F1 of Franco Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams for the last nine races.
He made a splash in the sport, and has since been signed by Alpine as a reserve and development driver on a multi-year contract.
In recent years, Sergio Pérez was the only Latin American representative in F1; however, drivers like Colapinto are expected on the grid soon.
Fittipaldi considers the current driver situation in F1 to be very positive for Latin America and hopes to see new recruits in the coming years.
“I think it's very impressive for Latin America,” Fittipaldi told Talksport. “In recent years, Checo Pérez from Mexico, and now Colapinto, have done well.
“I think he needs more experience, but he is fast and has been very impressive since his Formula 1 debut.
“And I hope that in the next few years we will have more Latin American drivers, as long as the European drivers give us a little chance, we will come back strong.
“Just a warning for European drivers,” joked Fittipaldi.
-Bortoleto makes his entrance
For now, Colapinto is on the sidelines at Alpine, but Latin America will be represented by reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
It was signed by Stake F1, which will become Audi in 2026 with the introduction of the new power unit regulations.
Bortoleto is the first Brazilian driver in F1 since Fittipaldi's son Pietro took part in the final two races of the 2020 season following Romain Grosjean's dramatic crash in Bahrain.
The two-time F1 champion is enthusiastic about Bortoleto's arrival and looks forward to the team he has joined improving rapidly.
“It will be great for us Brazilians to have a Brazilian driver,” added the F1 icon. “Bortoleto is doing really well.
“He’s going to a team that I think is going to get better every year, Sauber. For this year, it's still Sauber, but in 2026, it will be Audi.
“It means there will be a new dimension as a team. And we are very excited, but we need more Brazilians in F1 and Formula E.
Good to know
- Colapinto was one of the new talents to catch the eye in the previous season.
- Latin American drivers like Checo Pérez have played a key role in representing this region in F1.
- Bortoleto could inspire other young Brazilian drivers to pursue a career in Formula 1.
- Source image(s) : racingnews365.com
- Source : https://racingnews365.com/f1-icon-sparks-surprising-rivalry-with-remarkable-claim
Watch Sports Live ????
Our editors use AI to help them deliver fresh items from trusted sources to our users. If you find any image or content that is inappropriate, please contact us via DMCA form and we will promptly remove it. / Our editors use AI to help them offer our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
