Williams team principal James Vowles has insisted Franco Colapinto has earned his place in Formula 1 for next season, even if it means he could take points from his current employer.
Eyebrows were raised by the decision to put Formula 2 prospect Colapinto on board instead of a more experienced driver like Mick Schumacher when Logan Sargeant was dropped.
Colapinto has impressed in the three Formula 1 races he has entered so far, recovering from qualifying to finish 12th at Monza before holding off team-mate Alex Albon at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and going on to claim his first points as he came home eighth.
He then locked horns with Sergio Perez before finishing 11th in Singapore and heading into this weekend’s US Grand Prix to huge praise from the Red Bull driver.
However, with Albon joining Williams with Carlos Sainz from next year, there is no scope for Colapinto to drive full-time – but Vowles wants to see him racing in 2025 – with seats at Sauber and RB still up for grabs.
When asked at an Autosport Business event in Austin if Colapinto could be on the grid next year, Vowles replied: “It’s definitely not out of the question.
“It’s up to one or two other teams, without giving too much away, but from my point of view, he’s definitely earned his place on the grid within a few races.
“He’s not finished growing yet, he’s going to get faster and faster, and I think the other teams know that on the grid. So, even if he’s depriving us of points, he’s a professional racing driver and he should be in Formula 1. Simple as that.
Colapinto’s first taste of Formula 1 came when he took the wheel of the FP1 at the British Grand Prix earlier this year.
Fowles knew right away that the 21-year-old was fast – but he was excited about how he could maintain that speed when the chips were down.
Franco Colapinto, Williams FW46
Photography: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
“I mean, taking a step back, I knew it was very fast,” he added.
“The first time we put him in the car at Silverstone, I kind of looked at it and went, ‘Oh my God, it’s that fast.’ But there’s no pressure on your shoulders. How does that translate when there’s pressure?
“Since then, it’s been…Singapore is probably the toughest race to throw someone in the deep end and he achieved a near-absolute perfect result the first time.”
