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,…
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