Few rookies have joined Formula 1 in more difficult circumstances than Franco Colapinto – and even fewer have excelled so quickly. Not only is the 21-year-old showing exceptional pace, but Williams have revealed that his technical insights are already at an advanced level.
Williams reveal high quality Colapinto feedback
Over the past few seasons, a common narrative in F1 circles has been that rookies need time to adapt. Until about two months ago, the consensus was that adjusting to Formula 1 was a process that required time.
In the space of just four races, Colapinto has managed to dismiss this idea. He is already showing similar or even greater pace than teammate Alex Albon – a driver with plenty of experience under his belt.
The Argentine is also comfortable in wheel-to-wheel battles, scoring overtakes against the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
However, beneath this blistering pace and impressive race craft, is a meticulous driver with an eye for detail.
Strong technical understanding and an eye for detail
Colapinto’s technical understanding is beyond his years, as Williams engineer Gaetan Jego explaines:
“I think he understands the car well. It’s interesting, he is very detailed,” he told espanol.motorsport.com.
“Sometimes you have to help him to articulate what he feels and put it into words, but I think he isn’t too different from Alex [Albon].
“He is doing very well, and being very sensible with the car – which is very useful.
“This includes the simulator, which is very different from being in a race. He is always very detailed and can give us a good direction and understand what the limitations are.”
There is obviously a long way for Franco Colapinto to go. It would be premature to describe him as the finished article after just four races.
Then again, his potential for growth is what makes him such an exciting prospect. In addition to his now unquestionable speed, the Argentine is demonstrating a mental fortitude and self-belief necessary to excel in Formula 1.
He is fully confident in his abilities, and for good reason. Both on and off-track, the Williams driver takes the F1 experience in his stride.
When James Vowles first announced the 21-year-old’s F1 opportunity, he pointed towards Colapinto’s simulator work. In less than two months, this is already translating into on-track results.
Regardless of whether Sauber sign him for 2025, Colapinto is cementing himself as someone who will inevitably earn a full-time contract.
