Franco Colapinto has made headlines as he prepares to step into the F1 cockpit with Williams Racing, replacing the recently axed Logan Sargeant.
The 21-year-old driver is set to make his debut at the Italian Grand Prix marking a significant moment in motorsport history, as he becomes the first Argentine driver to race in F1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.
Early Life and Karting Career
Born on May 27, 2003, in Buenos Aires, Franco Alejandro Colapinto began his journey in motorsport at the tender age of nine. His early foray into karting proved fruitful, as he quickly established himself as a formidable driver.
Colapinto clinched the Argentine Championship in both the Pre-Junior class in 2016 and the Sudam class in 2018, showcasing his talent on a national level. His karting prowess was further recognized when he won the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Summer Olympics in Buenos Aires, partnering with María García Puig.
Colapinto’s transition from karting to car racing began in 2018 when he made his debut in the F4 Spanish Championship and participated in the final round of the season, driving for Drivex School.
The following year, he signed with FA Racing by Drivex for a full campaign and dominated the championship, securing the title with an impressive eleven victories, 13 podiums, and 14 pole positions.
Climbing the Motorsport Ladder
Following his success in the Spanish F4 Championship, Colapinto continued to climb the motorsport ladder by joining the Euroformula Open and the Formula Renault Eurocup, where he consistently finished on the podium.
His performance in the 2020 Toyota Racing Series further solidified his decorated junior racing career, as he concluded the season in third place overall, winning a race at Hampton Downs and clinching the rookie of the year award.
Colapinto’s foray into the FIA Formula 3 Championship began in 2022, where he drove for Van Amersfoort Racing. His two-year stint in F3 was marked by four wins and notable performances, including a strong showing at the 2023 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, where he tested an F1 car for the first time.
The young driver made the leap to Formula 2 this year, joining MP Motorsport and has so far impressed in his rookie season. He currently ranks sixth in the championship with a standout victory in Imola and several podium finishes.
Colapinto’s consistent performances caught the attention of Williams Racing, leading to his call-up for a free practice session at the British Grand Prix, where he impressed the team with his skill and speed.
Transition to Formula 1
Williams’ decision to replace Logan Sargeant with Colapinto came after a series of underwhelming performances from the American driver, culminating in a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Sargeant, who is in his sophomore year with the team, is yet to score a point this season and wasted the team’s latest upgrade package at Zandvoort forcing Team Principal James Vowles to make a mid-season move.
Williams racing eventually decided to promote Colapinto from its Driver Academy ranks reflecting the team’s commitment to investing in young talent.
“It is an honor to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of,” Colapinto said on his promotion. “The team has such an amazing history and a mission to get back to the front, which I can’t wait to be a part of.”
He acknowledged the challenges of entering the sport mid-season but is determined to make the most of this opportunity alongside teammate Alex Albon: “Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve but I am up for the challenge, and I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make it a success.”
A Historic Moment for Argentine Motorsport
Colapinto’s debut is not just a personal milestone; it is a significant moment for Argentine motorsport.
Argentina has a rich history in F1, with legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five world championships, and Carlos Reutemann, who was a title contender in the 1980s.
However, the country’s representation in the sport has dwindled over the years, with Mazzacane being the last driver to compete in the sport until Colapinto’s recent announcement.
As the 49th driver in Williams Racing’s history, Colapinto carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its colors represented on the global stage once again. His immediate challenge will be to secure his position within the team and prove his capabilities over the remaining nine races of the 2024 season.
Carlos Sainz Jr. has already been confirmed as his replacement for the 2025 season.
