Franco Colapinto Could Be a Surprise Inclusion in F1 2025
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Franco Colapinto could be a surprise inclusion in F1 2025. Despite the tight seat availability, fresh developments suggest Colapinto might secure a spot with a team other than Sauber.
‘Asked for the Phone Number’ – Franco Colapinto Could Be a Surprise Inclusion in F1 2025
Franco Colapinto, the Argentinean racing driver who has impressed Formula 1 fans with his performances since stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams, may have a surprise F1 seat in 2025. Although Sauber had previously seemed like the most likely option for Colapinto, recent developments suggest that he might be looking elsewhere for an opportunity to secure a race seat in the next season.
Colapinto’s Impressive Showing as a Williams Reserve Driver
Despite only making his Formula 1 debut late in the 2024 season, Franco Colapinto has made a significant impression. After replacing Logan Sargeant for the final nine races of the 2024 campaign, Colapinto scored points in two of his four outings, bringing his total to five points. In comparison, Sargeant had only managed to score a single point in his 36 races with the team, making Colapinto's performance even more noteworthy.
However, Colapinto’s F1 debut came a little too late in the season for him to secure a permanent seat at Williams, as the team had already confirmed Carlos Sainz to partner with Alex Albon for 2025. This left Colapinto's future in doubt, with many speculating that he would return to a reserve role with Williams or face another year on the sidelines.
Fresh Hope for Colapinto’s F1 2025 Seat
While many had assumed that Colapinto would spend 2025 as a reserve driver, a surprising twist has emerged. According to Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel, Colapinto’s management team has made inquiries about an unnamed F1 team, raising speculation about the young driver’s potential inclusion in the 2025 grid.
Coronel, speaking to Viaplay, revealed that someone from Colapinto’s management, likely Jamie Campbell-Walter, had asked him for the contact details of a Formula 1 team boss. While Coronel stopped short of naming the team or the boss involved, the revelation has sparked fresh hope that Colapinto could secure a spot with a team other than Sauber, which had previously been the focus of many rumors.
When asked about Sauber being a potential destination for Colapinto, Coronel firmly denied the possibility. "No," he stated, adding that he knew more but wasn’t ready to disclose the details. "His manager is my old teammate. I have contact with him every now and then. Suddenly a light went on because he asked for the phone number of a team boss in Formula 1."
Could Colapinto Join Red Bull or Another Team for 2025?
As the 2025 season approaches, the two Red Bull teams, Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, are the only other outfits with open seats. This has led to speculation that Colapinto could be a potential candidate for AlphaTauri, especially if Liam Lawson performs well enough in his audition to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
Colapinto has certainly impressed with his performances this season, and Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, acknowledged the young driver’s abilities after the Singapore Grand Prix. “We see it with Colapinto,” Marko said. “As a relatively inexperienced and not very successful guy in the junior series, although it must be said that he never had the top teams, but what an incredible performance he is having now.”
Marko emphasized that Colapinto is still very much tied to Williams for the time being, but he also noted that the Argentinean has the potential to be a key figure in F1’s future. "I think he has a long-term contract with Williams. He will definitely be someone in the future. What he showed was very, very good, both in Baku and in Singapore," Marko said, hinting that Colapinto’s performance could make him a viable candidate for a higher-profile seat in the future.
The Road Ahead: Colapinto’s F1 Future
Although the exact details of Colapinto’s future in Formula 1 remain uncertain, the recent developments have sparked optimism for the 21-year-old. With his impressive performances in 2024, combined with the inquiry about a team boss's contact, Colapinto could very well find himself in the 2025 grid, potentially with a team other than Sauber.
As F1 fans eagerly await confirmation of his future, the focus will likely shift to the final races of 2024, where Colapinto will continue to make his mark and push for a seat in the next chapter of his F1 career. The door to F1 2025 may not be fully closed for Colapinto, and he could soon emerge as one of the surprise inclusions for the upcoming season.
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