Franco Colapinto’s remarkable run to eighth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix proved that his unexpected promotion to Williams was no gamble – but he especially hopes that his standout performance will convince everyone that he deserves a seat in Formula 1.
The 21-year-old Argentine driver was thrust into the spotlight after Williams team principal James Vowles made the bold decision to part ways with Logan Sargeant mid-season, handing Colapinto a surprise call-up from Formula 2 just days before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The move raised eyebrows across the paddock, but for Colapinto, it was the chance of a lifetime.
While he suffered a rocky start to his Baku weekend when he crashed in Friday’s opening practice, he didn’t put a foot wrong in qualifying and made the most of the circumstances to lead his experienced teammate Alex Albon on the grid.
Starting from P8, Colapinto battled his way through the race, settling in just outside the top ten but passing Nico Hulkenberg and seizing the final point of the day with three laps to go.
But his fortunes improved even further when a dramatic crash between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez on the penultimate lap of the race gifted him two more spots, finishing eighth—his first points in Formula 1.
Speaking to the media after the race, Colapinto he was asked if his performance vindicated the faith Williams team principal James Vowles had shown in promoting him so quickly.
“They showed so much confidence and trust in putting me in a seat,” he said. “It was a very difficult bet, and a bet that many people didn't understand.
“But I hope to be showing what I'm capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1. The idea and the opportunity that James gave me are helping me to show that.”
©Williams
For Colapinto, the challenge wasn’t just stepping into a Formula 1 car—he had minimal experience at the sport's highest level. Yet, his ability to adapt quickly was on full display in Baku.
“I am just doing a lot of work to try to learn quick. I have very little mileage in a Formula 1 car, it's only two races and one Free Practice 1 and a few laps in Abu Dhabi last year.
“But I think with the little mileage I've got, to be in the points in my second race is something really positive and very good. So, we have to keep going, but it's a good start.”
The result was not just a personal achievement for Colapinto but also a huge boost for Williams.
His eighth-place finish, combined with teammate Alex Albon’s seventh-place result, helped the team leapfrog Alpine in the constructors' standings, moving up to eighth overall.
©Williams
For a team that had been struggling to find consistency in recent years, the double points finish was a moment of triumph.
“We did a great job with the team,” he added. “We moved up Williams in the championship and I'm very happy with the result.
“It's a great result for the team. Both cars in the points, P8 in the constructors' championship, both cars in the top eight. It's something unexpected and amazing for the team, for Williams, they really deserve it.
“So yeah, just very happy for what we achieved together, and we need to keep working on the future.”
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