When the decision to promote Franco Colapinto mid-season was announced, public reaction was mixed. Williams team principal James Vowles received plenty of criticism for replacing Logan Sargeant so abruptly. However, as outlined on LWOS, Colapinto is a driver with no shortage of speed. The Argentine is already performing at a high level in F1, to such an extent he is in contention to earn a 2025 seat.
Sauber add Franco Colapinto to their ever-growing shortlist for the 2025 F1 season
For several months now, Sauber have been deliberating on their driver line-up. Since confirming their deal with Nico Hulkenberg in April, the Swiss team have assessed several candidates for next season.
Their initial targets, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon, both opted to sign elsewhere. Because of this, Sauber have been forced to look at alternatives to complete their 2025 driver duo.
Heading into last weekend, Gabriel Bortoleto was the favourite to sign a contract with the team. His efforts in Baku last weekend have also pushed him into 1st overall in the Formula 2 standings – another positive for his hugely impressive rookie campaign.
Having won the Formula 3 title last year, Bortoleto is clearly an attractive option for Mattia Binotto.
However, a surprise contender has emerged as a hugely tempting possibility for Sauber – Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto enters the race
The 21-year-old is performing far beyond the expectations of most, showing tremendous speed and adaptability. In just his second F1 weekend, Colapinto managed to out-qualify teammate Alex Albon and finish in a brilliant 8th place.
Scoring points for a midfield team like Williams is always an impressive feat, but to achieve this in your second F1 race weekend is something else entirely – especially at a street circuit.
For all the criticism that Williams received for promoting Colapinto, the Argentine has quickly changed the narrative. As explained by LWOS several weeks ago, Colapinto’s simulator times are within a tenth of Albon.
In a very short period of time, he has managed to demonstrate this pace when the stakes are highest on track.
According to Swiss outlet Blick, amongst other sources, Colapinto has joined Bortoleto as a front-runner to join Sauber next year.
The Argentine’s debut performances mean he is now being seriously considered by Sauber for a 2025 seat. The Hinwil-based outfit will likely observe Colapinto’s progress for the remainder of the season before making a final decision.
Until Williams made the choice to implement a mid-season swap, Bortoleto was in a very strong position to land the final spot on next year’s grid. To some extent, the Brazilian should still be seen as a leading contender – perhaps even the comfortable favourite.
However, the dynamics in the driver market are now very different. A new player is now in the mix, and is making an extremely convincing case that he deserves to stay in F1.
Colapitno can already be credited with delivering Williams valuable points in a hugely competitive midfield scrap. Should he continue to maintain this level, the Argentine will only strengthen his chances of securing a longer stay on the grid.
