Franco Colapinto looked back on his F1 debut, when he took Logan Sargeant’s place at Williams F1 for the Italian Grand Prix. Even if his future is not yet assured in the premier category beyond 2024, the Argentinian is happy to have achieved his main objective since his debut in motorsport.
“The truth is that it was a great moment for me” said Colapinto.
“It’s what I’ve been working towards for many years, ever since I started karting, and it’s my dream. It’s kind of what motivated me to get into racing and move in Europe when I was still very young, at the age of 14.”
“I made a lot of sacrifices and experienced difficult times that made me consider returning to Argentina and leaving Europe. But I think in the end the magic lies in overcoming these moments and to have had the calm, the capacity and a group of people around me who accompanied me.”
Colapinto fully understands that Williams has set its sights on Carlos Sainz for next season, and he praises the Spaniard’s talent: “Carlos is a very good driver, I admire him a lot and his father too. It’s a family that has good genes because they are all very good at what they do.”
“Carlos is a great driver and he got to where he is with a lot of effort. It was also very difficult for him. He represents his country very well. I think he will have a very positive year with Alex [Albon]. They are two great drivers at Williams and they will take the team forward, so I hope he does very well.”
Little chance of being on the F1 grid in 2025
Franco Colapinto admits his chances of clinching the final place on the Formula 1 grid for next year are slim.
The only place remaining on the grid is the second Sauber seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Colapinto doubts he can get it.
“It’s my dream to stay in Formula 1, that’s what I work for. I’m going race by race.”
“This year I had an incredible opportunity which I grabbed with both hands, but my goal is to stay in Formula 1. I came to stay, that’s the reality, so I’m doing my best to try to show everyone what I am capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1.”
“I’m doing well at the moment, so everything is going in the right direction. But of course, from a seat point of view, it’s looking very difficult for next year. I’m not thinking about 2025, not really, I’m fully focused on this year and what we need to do to take advantage of the big opportunity in front of me in 2024 and to finish the year strong, and then we’ll see what I do in 2025. There will be time to think in December, when the year ends, about what I’m going to do.”
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