Ex-F1 champion gives blunt verdict on Franco Colapinto’s wasted chance in 2024
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve did not shy away from giving an honest verdict on Franco Colapinto's 2024 stint.
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Franco Colapinto (via F1)
Williams shocked the F1 grid in 2024 by promoting Franco Colapinto to replace Logan Sargeant mid-season. The Argentine driver was seen by many as the next big thing, but failed to land a seat for this season. Now, former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has given a no-nonsense verdict over the 21-year-old’s performance.
Colapinto made his debut at the Italian GP at Monza. The Argentine driver scored five points in a span of nine races with three retirements. Unfortunately, Franco Colapinto failed to grab the last vacant seat at Audi’s Sauber F1 team, which was given to F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Jacques Villeneuve made it clear that the 21-year-old wasted the golden opportunity he was handed by Williams. The Canadian bluntly stated that Franco Colapinto could not cry over the situation now. The former F1 champion insisted that Colapinto showed that he had not evaluated how important his chance was last year.
He wasted his chances. If you are given a golden opportunity, you must make the most of it. Now he can’t cry to himself. He ran a few races in F1, and it’s already surprising that he had this chance. He is a fast driver, but he has shown that he has not evaluated his situation well.
Jacques Villeneuve told The Action Network
Franco Colapinto ready for new role at Alpine
The 21-year-old managed to get a surprise role at Alpine for this year. Colapinto will serve as the reserve driver for the French team. The Argentine driver highlighted that he will help in bringing the Enstone squad back to the front of the grid, assisting in all areas possible. It is rumored that this could pave the door for a full-time seat in place of Jack Doohan.
My role within the team will be to help, to help with everything I can, to bring the team back to the top, to improve the car as much as possible and to help with everything I can.
Franco Colapinto told Motorsport.com
Franco Colapinto remains an exciting talent. The 21-year-old might need another chance to truly showcase his brilliance. For now, the Argentine driver must focus on his duties at Alpine and hope that he can get an opportunity soon, or perhaps a seat for 2026.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2353 Articles Published)