Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has praised Williams Racing rookie Franco Colapinto for his efforts this season. Colapinto made his debut at the Italian Grand Prix, replacing Logan Sargeant till the end of the campaign.
Franco Colapinto quickly grew into the groove of Formula 1, securing points in only his second ever race. The Argentinian driver’s skill and pace have been appreciated by many teams and drivers across the paddock.
Max Verstappen has thereafter claimed that the Grove-based team must be making their best efforts to accommodate Colapinto in their future plans. The 21-year-old is yet to ascertain his stay at the pinnacle of motorsport for the upcoming season.
Of course he’s doing a great job. I think Williams is probably racking their brains about what to do with Franco.
Max Verstappen via Motorsport-Total.com
Colapinto has secured five points in six races, surpassing Logan Sargeant‘s tally of two seasons in Formula 1. He now has to continue delivering good performances while hoping that he gets a seat for the 2025 season.
Former Indian racer Karun Chandhok has cited his concerns about Franco Colapinto’s future prospects. The 21-year old has been rumored to be linked with a move to Red Bull and Alpine for the upcoming season.
I think we’ll all admit including Williams that it’s been a bit of a surprise because his junior formula record didn’t suggest he’s going to be as good as he has been. Maybe he’s just well suited to an F1 car or the style of driving. But it would be a mistake to put him in a Red Bull. I think it would be too early. If they were talking about putting him in an RB, that would be a good, sensible choice and career progression for him. I think if they put him in a Red Bull alongside Max, it could destroy him. It would be too soon.
Karun Chandhok spoke on the SkySportsF1 podcast
Karun Chandhok believes that the Colapinto is not quite ready to take on a seat with Red Bull in the 2025 season. He states that a move to RB might be better suited for the Argentinian as opposed to having Max Verstappen as a teammate.
Colapinto has shown the potential of becoming a successful driver in Formula 1. However, history shows drivers who made wrong moves in their careers and failed to recover since.
Therefore, the 21-year-old must be on the lookout to improve race upon race before letting any other ambitions take over.
