Franco Colapinto Implies Zhou Guanyu is the Worst Driver on the F1 Grid
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Franco Colapinto suggests Zhou Guanyu is the worst driver on the Formula 1 grid in a candid interview. As the 2024 season wraps up, both Colapinto and Zhou are without contracts for 2025, with Colapinto aiming for an F1 2025 seat.
Franco Colapinto, a rising talent in Formula 1, has made a bold statement regarding Zhou Guanyu's abilities, suggesting that the departing Sauber driver is, in his opinion, the worst on the F1 grid. With both Colapinto and Zhou currently without a confirmed seat for the 2025 F1 season, the two drivers find themselves in very different circumstances as they navigate their futures in the sport.
Zhou Guanyu’s Departure from Formula 1
After three seasons in Formula 1 with Sauber, Zhou Guanyu is set to depart the grid at the end of the 2024 season. His exit, along with teammate Valtteri Bottas, comes as the team transitions to becoming the Audi works team in 2026. Sauber has already confirmed their new driver line-up for 2025, with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto replacing Zhou and Bottas.
Zhou’s time in F1 has been marked by moments of promise, but despite his efforts, the Chinese driver has often struggled to secure standout results in a competitive field. With a lack of top finishes and inconsistency, Zhou’s performance has raised questions, especially with the emergence of younger talents like Colapinto, who have demonstrated their potential and ambition to secure a seat on the grid for 2025.
Franco Colapinto’s Ambitions for 2025
While Zhou is exiting F1, Franco Colapinto is looking to establish himself in the sport, aiming to secure a seat on the 2025 grid. The Argentine driver has been impressing since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams midway through the 2024 season. Colapinto’s performance at Williams has drawn attention, and the young driver has been linked with possible moves to Red Bull’s junior program or other teams like VCARB and Alpine.
In an interview with his sponsor Quilmes, Colapinto made it clear that he is not intimidated by any driver, regardless of their reputation. When asked about his upcoming potential teammates, including Zhou Guanyu, Colapinto responded with confidence, saying, “I don’t care who I have next to me [as a teammate], whether it’s Verstappen or Zhou, I want to beat them and be ahead of them.” This comment highlights Colapinto’s competitive spirit and his desire to prove himself against the best in the sport.
Manager’s Comments on Colapinto’s F1 Future
Franco Colapinto’s manager, Maria Catarineu of Bullet Sports Management, has recently addressed the growing speculation surrounding the 21-year-old driver’s future in Formula 1. While no official deal for 2025 has been confirmed, Catarineu emphasized that Williams is doing everything they can to ensure Colapinto stays in F1 for the upcoming season.
“What is certain is that right now we are with Williams and we are still with Williams,” Catarineu said in an interview with Campeones TV. “It’s no secret as you have seen, that there is a very big will for Franco to continue in F1 in 2025.” Despite rumors circulating about Colapinto’s potential moves, she clarified that no deal has been signed, and the focus remains on finding the best possible opportunity for him in Formula 1.
Williams’ Efforts to Secure Colapinto’s Future
According to Catarineu, Williams is fully supportive of Colapinto’s future and is actively exploring options to keep him in F1. “Williams’ results are improving. I know that their intention is to look for the best deal for Franco for the future. Williams are the first ones to know that Franco deserves to stay in F1 and they are trying to make it happen,” she said. However, she also confirmed that no contract has been signed for the 2025 season, and Colapinto’s future with the team remains uncertain.
With the current driver line-up at Williams already locked for 2025, including Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon, it seems unlikely that Colapinto will remain at Williams in the upcoming season. However, the team is still looking for the best solution for both Colapinto and themselves, as they try to secure a competitive structure for the young driver’s future in the sport.
Conclusion
As the F1 2024 season approaches its conclusion, Franco Colapinto and Zhou Guanyu find themselves in very different positions as they look to secure a future in Formula 1. While Zhou’s departure from the grid is confirmed, Colapinto remains focused on his goal of securing a spot for 2025. The young driver’s bold statements about Zhou’s performance and his desire to beat anyone in his path highlight his fierce ambition. With Williams’ backing and continued support, Colapinto’s journey in F1 is only just beginning, and the coming months will be crucial in determining his future in the sport.
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