Argentinian rookie Franco Colapinto, once the hottest name on the F1 market after an explosive midseason debut, has opened up about the moment he feels cost him a shot at securing a long-term seat. After dazzling performances and rising interest from Red Bull and Alpine, a string of rookie errors—particularly during the Las Vegas Grand Prix—ultimately cooled the hype surrounding his meteoric rise.
Vegas: The Crash Heard Around the Paddock
Colapinto, who stepped into Williams midseason to replace the underperforming Logan Sargeant, impressed initially with his speed and adaptability. However, the honeymoon period was short-lived. His self-proclaimed “biggest mistake” came during Las Vegas qualifying, where an aggressive push resulted in a spectacular crash that left his car in tatters and cast doubts over his readiness for F1’s intense demands.
Reflecting on the incident, Colapinto shared on Williams’ YouTube channel:
“Vegas was so much bigger a thing [than Brazil]. I was going for it, trying to put the car in, but it still feels like a much bigger mistake. It’s the one I’d change if I could.”
Rookie Pressure and the Brazil Misstep
The Las Vegas disaster came hot on the heels of another high-profile error in Brazil, where a miscommunication over tire strategy left Colapinto out on intermediates in worsening conditions. Despite pleading for full wets, Williams kept him out, leading to a massive crash that compounded the team’s struggles after Alex Albon also hit the wall.
“Brazil was my first time on wets, so I see it as less of a disaster in my head,” Colapinto explained, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faced as a midseason rookie.
Red Bull and Alpine: Opportunities Lost
Colapinto’s early performances had made waves, with Red Bull and Alpine reportedly eyeing him for future roles. However, the Vegas crash and Brazil misstep cast doubts on his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Red Bull’s interest cooled, leaving Colapinto without a clear path to the grid for 2025.
Support from Albon: “He’s a Fantastic Driver”
Despite the setbacks, Colapinto found a staunch supporter in Alex Albon, who praised the rookie’s natural speed and potential:
“He’s very talented. I underestimated how quick he was going to be, and I believe we’ll see him in Formula 1 at some point in the future.”
Albon also noted that Colapinto’s late-season struggles were not entirely his fault, citing the challenges of an underperforming car:
“It became tricky at the end of the season—for both of us. I don’t just blame myself for my results, and I don’t think the team blames him either.”
What’s Next for Colapinto?
With Williams signing Carlos Sainz to partner Albon in 2025, Colapinto finds himself without a seat for the upcoming season. His name remains linked to Alpine, with whispers about Jack Doohan’s uncertain contract offering a glimmer of hope. Beyond that, the arrival of Cadillac in 2026 could provide an opportunity for the Argentine to return to the grid.
However, Cadillac is expected to prioritize experienced drivers in its debut season, making Colapinto’s path back to F1 anything but guaranteed.
From Rookie to Redemption?
While Colapinto’s 2024 stint may not have ended as hoped, his raw talent and undeniable speed have left a mark. The lessons learned from Brazil and Vegas could serve him well as he eyes a return to the sport. With patience and the right opportunity, Colapinto’s F1 journey may still be in its early chapters. For now, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how he bounces back.