Franco Colapinto, a 21-year-old Argentine driver, has stepped into the 2024 Formula 1 season, ending Argentina’s 23-year absence from the sport. His journey to F1 began with rookie testing in Abu Dhabi last year, where he impressed with his speed and adaptability. This led to a call-up by Williams to replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the season. Franco Colapinto is currently ranked sixth in the Formula 2 standings, a testament to his skill and determination. Just two weeks ago, he made his race debut at Monza, finishing in 12th place.
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Colapinto’s sudden rise to Formula 1 in the 2024 season is a significant milestone for both his career and Argentina’s motorsport history. At 21, he has become the first Argentine driver in over two decades to compete in F1, filling a gap that has long been felt by motorsport fans back home. His debut in Monza, although challenging, demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly to the high demands of Formula 1. Now, as he approaches his third Grand Prix in Baku, Colapinto is building momentum, gaining invaluable experience with every race.
Reflecting on his unexpected call-up to the Williams team, Colapinto said:
“I was in the sim for F2, preparing the race of Monza with the MP [MP Motorsport] team. Suddenly, I got a call that I had to go to England, and I did the best prep I could, but it was very little.”
Despite the last-minute nature of his opportunity, the debut turned into a momentous occasion for Argentina. A country known for its passionate motorsport culture, Argentina had been without a Formula 1 representative since Gastón Mazzacane’s final race in 2001. Colapinto’s arrival on the grid was celebrated by fans back home, eager to see one of their own back in the pinnacle of motorsport.
“It’s been 23 years since an Argentinian driver got to Formula 1 the last time. And there was so much need of the country. They love sports. And Argentina needed a Formula 1 driver on the grid. They are very, very big motorsport fans.”
A Challenging Debut in Monza
Colapinto’s Monza debut came with its own set of obstacles. Having driven only eight consecutive laps in a Formula 1 car prior to the race, he entered the weekend with many unanswered questions. However, by race day, he had completed 53 laps, learning as he went and improving steadily throughout the weekend.
“To be honest, we were going into the race with a lot of question marks. I hadn’t done more than eight laps in a row in a Formula 1 car before that. And then suddenly, they put me into 53. It was very tough, and I was learning during the race. We went step by step. That was the most important part: keeping the building throughout the weekend.”
Despite finishing outside the points in 12th, his performance was a solid foundation for his F1 career. Colapinto took the experience in stride, knowing the challenges ahead would only make him stronger.
The Next Challenge: Baku
As Colapinto approached the Baku Grand Prix, he remained focused on adjusting to the new street circuit, a significant shift from the high-speed tracks he had previously encountered. With minimal experience on street circuits, he dedicated himself to simulator practice and preparation with the Williams team to ensure he could hit the ground running.
“I haven’t been on many street tracks, but I hope to have done enough prep in the simulator and worked really hard with the team to be on the pace quickly. The reality is that I don’t know the next seven races, and we know it will be tough. But it’s part of the risk and will be a great experience.”
However, in his first practice session in Baku, Franco Colapinto faced a setback, crashing at the tricky Turn 4. Despite the incident, he remained optimistic, crediting his team for their swift response in repairing the car.
“The crash was a rookie mistake as I was still getting to grips with the track, and everything was new. Taking that away, we had a good second session. The heroes of the day are the mechanics. They did an amazing job to repair my car in time for FP2. I’m proud of the team for all their efforts.”
By the end of the second and third practice sessions, Colapinto had regained his composure, finishing 14th and 9th, respectively. His confidence grew further during qualifying, where he managed to advance to Q3 and secure a remarkable 9th-place start for the race, outperforming his more experienced teammate, Alexander Albon.
“To achieve Q3 in only my second Qualifying session in F1 is an amazing feeling for me and the team. I wasn’t expecting to go into Q3 as I was going session by session, building up throughout. The car has been on point so far this weekend, and I’ve been getting more comfortable with it, learning a new track.”
Argentina’s Rising Star
Colapinto’s rapid progression in Formula 1 has already made waves in the motorsport world. His ability to adapt quickly and perform under pressure highlights his potential to become a force in the sport. His determination and resilience are evident as he continues to navigate the challenges of his rookie season.
For Argentina, Colapinto’s presence on the grid is a source of national pride, and his journey is being closely followed by fans who have longed for a return to the sport’s highest level. He continues to represent his country with each race, knowing his success is celebrated far beyond the racetrack.
“I think we have a really good car to score points. I’m going to do the best I can. I think go step by step, session by session, and then see where we end up.”
As Franco Colapinto continues his Formula 1 adventure, it’s clear this is just the beginning for Argentina’s next motorsport hero.
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