Will Franco Colapinto replace Sergio Pérez next year at Red Bull? It's not just a rumor: the Colapinto clan has started some negotiations with Red Bull – even if a seat at Racing Bulls is also mentioned.
However, the Argentinian's rating has fallen in recent races. By pulverizing his Williams F1 twice at Interlagos, then also in Las Vegas (with an accident of more than 50 G), Colapinto not only damaged his car, but also his reputation.
Campbell-Walter, his own manager, recognizes that the Las Vegas mistake could frankly harm his driver's chances for next year.
“This mistake is entirely his fault, and it was a foolish mistake. The pressure of not knowing what the future holds is sometimes much worse than knowing. And you never know how these drivers will react under such pressure. »
“Make no mistake, every time he gets in the car it’s a pressure situation. And let's not forget that he did a phenomenal job. He's not one of those kids who's done hundreds of test laps. »
After this curious outing, Capbdell-Walter still defended his driver by recalling his difference in experience with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, for example.
“Kimi Antonelli tests every week. Williams does not have a car for private testing (two year old car, editor's note). He only did the young drivers test last year and Free Practice 1 at Silverstone. He doesn't have much experience and never had many testing opportunities due to lack of budget. And he has the pressure of a nation on his shoulders. »
“I can't imagine what this is like, and I don't think many people can. It's very easy to criticize from the outside. »
Before his accident in Las Vegas, Colapinto was even well on his way to replace Sergio Pérez, if Campbell-Walter is to be believed!
“Currently we have a long-term contract with Williams. There is interest. I would say that before the accident in qualifying, everything was looking good. »
“There is a good chance to see him on the grid next year, but I think some people want to see how he performs in the next races, which is understandable. They have a lot of pilots, so there is no rush…”
“We have to bounce back, keep going and get the job done. He has two weekends left to prove his worth. »
The Colapinto manager then draws a parallel, quite daring but understandable from his point of view, with Max Verstappen and his arrival at Toro Rosso at not even 17 years old…
« Max [Verstappen] was a star in the making when he was young at Toro Rosso, and he made a lot of mistakes. Franco made two mistakes. And I think people can see what he accomplished against a very experienced teammate. »
“Logan Sargeant has never been seven tenths ahead of Alex Albon. Franco did it [à Las Vegas]and this is not the first time he has succeeded. »
“I think people can see that he is limited in experience, that he is a rookie. Will he be entitled to a joker for one or two accidents during his first races? Probably yes, I hope so. I hope people can see past that and recognize his value as a human being, because he's a great guy. »
“I really feel empathy for the guys at the Williams F1 factory, because honestly they were probably building parts for next year's car, not this year's. They had to stop their production. For the mechanics, who haven't had much rest since Brazil, having to pull an all-nighter was a shock. You still feel compassion for them in this situation. »
Franco Colapinto under pressure in Qatar
In Qatar, without a doubt, Franco Colapinto will have no room for error: one more crash, and his chances of settling down in Milton Keynes, perhaps in Faenza too, will disappear.
But the Williams F1 driver says he doesn't feel that pressure for this weekend.
“Honestly, I don’t feel that much about it. In motorsport there are always ups and downs. The last two races have been a bit down. »
“I had five big races, then a very difficult Brazil, and Las Vegas was going very well. I think I was doing a really good job, finding my rhythm until that little mistake in qualifying. The race was very fast for me again and it was great. »
“But unfortunately, these little moments that happen, and very small details that don't go your way, come at a great cost. »
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