Franco Colapinto is living a waking dream in this second half of the season: starting at Williams F1 in place of Logan Sargeant (even if he will have to give up his place to Carlos Sainz next year), the Argentinian also has a series of races where it will be very popular.
Because in Austin, Mexico or Las Vegas, the next three Grands Prix, the Latin American public will come in numbers to support the native of Pilar, in the suburbs of Buenos Aires.
“I was really looking forward to this weekend,” enthuses Franco Colapinto, speaking of this Grand Prix in Austin.
“It’s very special, of course. I’ve spent my whole life racing in Europe, and maybe a weekend in Australia somewhere around there, but I’ve never raced in America, and that’s the closest thing to home Me. So I really looked forward to these three rounds (Austin, Mexico and Las Vegas). »
“My dream would be to race in Argentina and race in Buenos Aires, but that’s not possible yet, and these are the three closest races we have. And I know a lot of fans will be there, I know a lot of fans will be in Mexico and even more in Brazil, so it’s almost going to feel like a home race, I think. At least in Brazil, and I’m very excited about that. »
“I have a lot of support from the Argentinian fans, and racing close to home is something I’ve been waiting for and dreaming of, and it’s happening now. So, yes, it’s very exciting. I’m very happy to be here, of course, as an F1 driver, and to have the chance to race near Argentina, it’s very special. »
Franco Colapinto seemed to awaken Argentina’s passion for F1: he did not see it on site, but apparently, the enthusiasm of the public would be more than there, continues the Williams F1 driver.
“I haven’t been to Argentina yet, so I don’t know what it’s like there, but from what I hear, it’s a bit crazy. »
“I love the support I get from the fans, it’s very special, I can’t think of any F1 driver who has as much support as me from the fans. »
“It shows that it’s also very important, and it pushes you a little more.” Receiving all these messages of support, seeing all the fans coming to the races to support you, it’s very nice. It pushes you a little more to surpass yourself, and to see that what you do, the challenges you take on in the race, and when you do well, they are so happy. »
“They appreciate that you are in F1, it is something very special, and I am very happy to be the next Argentinian in F1, and to see all these children who are delighted. They’re very happy to see an F1 driver from their country for the first time, and all these kids who are getting into motorsport because they’re like, wow, ‘I love F1,’ and they start to sport, and motorsport in Argentina is growing a lot thanks to this. »
“So it’s really good what’s happening out there in the country. Argentinians rely a lot on sport, recently with the World Cup, and now with F1 and many other things, it is very important for us to have an F1 driver, as a country, and that is really good. »
Franco Colapinto also says he has received the support of several Argentine football stars…
“The footballers, yes, some have been in contact, and they have been very supportive, as are all Argentinian fans. »
“It’s something very important for the country, and they’re just enjoying the moment.” »
“Maybe some players will come to some of the remaining races, just to see, so that will be nice too. It’s great to have so much support from so many athletes in my country. »
A celebrity not so easy to manage
But Franco Colapinto also has to manage his new celebrity: he can no longer “come as he is” in a famous fast food chain!
“The thing is, I don’t feel like a hero, I feel… the same as I did two years ago, when no one knew me, and now everyone stops me, and I ask me, why are you stopping me? Why do you want a photo? » he said.
“And then I realize, or I’m going to say hello to someone, and I’m like, ‘I’m Franco’ and they’re like, ‘Yes, we know you.’ »
“It will come with time, when I start to get used to it a little more, but it’s a bit difficult, there are a lot of good things, and also a lot of bad things. Maybe I’d like to eat a McDonald’s burger with lots of cheese, and maybe I can’t do it because they’re asking me to take pictures now. So you have to be a little more careful, and I’m working on that. »
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