Just three Grand Prix ago, Franco Colapinto took over from Logan Sargeant. After a lackluster season from the American, the young Argentine was given the opportunity to prove himself at Williams. Colapinto has since scored four points, and fans are hoping to see him back on the grid next year. Williams team boss James Vowles is already knocking on Sauber’s door, the last team that still has a seat to offer.
Next year, Williams will welcome three-time race winner Carlos Sainz, who will be racing alongside Alexander Albon. Consequently, 21-year-old Franco Colapinto, who made his debut during the Italian GP, will have to give up his seat. However, team boss James Vowles hopes to still offer Colapinto a spot on the grid. He is already in talks with Sauber, the only team that still has room for the young driver.
Bottas or Bortoleto: Who Will Secure a Contract with Sauber?
“Franco (Colapinto) will always be part of our training program,” Vowles recently stated. “The question is whether he can secure a contract with Sauber. To be transparent, we are already in discussions to see if that is possible.” Colapinto would be a surprising choice for Sauber, which has already signed a multi-year contract with Nico Hülkenberg in the run-up to the takeover by Audi.
Valtteri Bottas, who is now in his third season with the Swiss racing team, reportedly has the best credentials to sign for another year. In addition, the team has a keen interest in Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto. If Colapinto fails to secure a spot at Sauber, Vowles has other plans for the young Argentine.
“In that case, he needs to clock up miles in our car from two years ago,” the team boss explained. “It essentially has the same specifications as our current car. It’s important that he then drives thousands of laps to stay in shape for the future.”
