Azerbaijan GP: Colapinto eyes F1 future after scoring first points

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto has sent a clear message to the Formula 1 world: he belongs in the premier class of motorsport. The 21-year-old marked his second outing with Williams by securing his first points in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, finishing in an impressive eighth position.

Colapinto was brought in as a replacement for the underperforming American driver Logan Sargeant, who was dropped after failing to score a point in 14 starts this season. Sargeant managed to score only one point throughout last year. Colapinto's eighth-place finish, coupled with his outqualifying of teammate Alex Albon, who finished seventh, demonstrates his potential. Notably, this was the first time Albon had been outqualified by a teammate since 2022.

The points from both drivers have propelled Williams ahead of Renault-owned Alpine to eighth place in the constructors' standings. This is a significant leap for the team, typically accustomed to scrapping for the last few scoring positions on the grid.

Speaking to reporters in Baku, Colapinto expressed his gratitude and determination:

"They [Williams] showed so much confidence and trust in putting me in a seat," Colapinto said. "It was a very difficult bet, and a bet that many people didn't understand. But I hope to be showing what I'm capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1. The idea and the opportunity that [team boss] James [Vowles] gave me are helping me to show that."

Colapinto's time with Williams is limited to just seven more races, after which he will hand over the seat to incoming Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, whose 2025 signing was announced in July. However, the young Argentine is determined to make the most of every opportunity.

Up Next