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Formula 1 | Colapinto: At 14, 'I was completely alone' in Europe

Franco Colapinto was asked about the difficulties young South American drivers face in racing single-seaters and aiming for a career in Formula 1. The Williams driver explains having experienced very difficult times when he was a teenager.

“It will be great. I think it shows that things are getting better. Lewis has spoken many times before about the difficulties he faced. I had a lot of them. I really struggled leaving my country for Europe when I was very young” said Colapinto.

“When you're very far from your family, it's difficult. As a European, you finish the race, you fly back for an hour, you go home and you meet your family in the evening, and it's is completely normal.”

“Whereas for me it was completely the opposite. At 14 I was living alone, I came home from a rough weekend and I needed a hug, which wasn't the case. You're completely alone, which makes things a little more difficult.”

“Of course, the budget part is the hardest, and that's why we're struggling so much. I think there's a lot of talent in South America, and we show it when someone gets a chance, It’s happening. That’s the most important part. I think things are getting better today.”

Colapinto welcomes the work to ensure that driver inclusion is better, particularly from Lewis Hamilton: “Lewis has already said that it was very important for him to be very welcoming and to give a little of what he felt he hadn't received in his time. And I felt like today , it's much better. I have a lot of support.”

“Everyone around me has been very supportive. And they've involved me in all areas, which is very nice to see. And I think it's very exciting to see how we progress as a company And yes, the drivers too, everyone has been very welcoming. It's very nice the respect that Lewis has shown in the last few races.

“And since I came, it's something very special for me and very important, I think, for the sport. I think it will be great if someone else comes in the future, a another South American. And if I can stay to have two, hopefully that will be great.

The Argentinian was then asked about the Argentinian drivers who inspired him, even if he did not see any in his childhood since the last one was Gaston Mazzacane in 2001: “Of course, starting with Fangio, then for me it was also Lolé. I think he was the last really strong Argentinian in Formula 1.”

“The last one who won races, who fought for championships. And I have, again, a tribute on my helmet. It's very similar to the one he had in the past, so it's very exciting to wear this helmet and to have this opportunity. [Juan Maria] Traverso is, for me, the other.”

“Traverso is the one who raced in Argentina. He won many titles. I grew up listening to his crazy interviews and watching his races. Once he won with a car on fire, and another time with a three-wheeled car I grew up with that whole thing.”

“I think they are the three who really left a great legacy in sport in Argentina and for the country. It's been a very long time, all three of them, which is not the best. We haven't had “I've been an Argentinian driver for a long time and I haven't grown up since I was little. I've never had someone from my country to cheer for in Formula 1.”

“I never had that person. Maybe there was Checo, when I was young and I was rooting for him because he was from Mexico. But I never had anyone like that. Argentinian. And I think that's something that kids today have with me. And it's something that's very, very nice to see and very positive.”


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