Franco Colapinto’s Formula 1 stint at Williams is quickly becoming a critical juncture in his young career. The Argentine driver, stepping in for Logan Sargeant this season, finds himself under increasing scrutiny as a string of incidents has hampered his performances and, crucially, the team’s resources.
In Qatar Sprint Qualifying, Colapinto placed last, 0.5 seconds adrift of the next slowest car and nearly a full second behind teammate Alex Albon, who qualified 12th. The performance gap, compounded by the older-specification components on Colapinto’s car, has left the 20-year-old struggling to make a compelling case for a future race seat.
A Car Below Par – But the Crashes Add Up
Colapinto’s FW46 is running with older front suspension and aerodynamic parts, a consequence of Williams’ massive damage bill this season. Following heavy crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas, Colapinto’s car now carries a performance deficit due to heavier, non-carbon fiber replacements and non-optimized components.
The compressed sprint weekend in Qatar-on an unfamiliar track-has only magnified the difficulties.
Franco Colapinto:
“I was losing little by little through the lap, almost in every corner, which is always the most frustrating part. The high-speed corners were OK, but I was really struggling for balance in the slower corners.”
Williams has been forced to prioritize repairs and updates for Albon’s car, leaving Colapinto with an underperforming package. Team boss James Vowles expressed hope that both cars would return to the preferred specification by the Abu Dhabi finale, but Colapinto’s current situation illustrates the tangible cost of his recent crashes.
Missed Opportunities to Impress
After an impressive start with Williams, Colapinto’s performances have faltered. Incidents in Brazil (where he crashed in both qualifying and behind the safety car) and Las Vegas (a major qualifying shunt) have cast a shadow over his initial promise.
Though he has shown flashes of potential-such as strong racecraft in Mexico before a clash with Liam Lawson-his performances have become inconsistent, trailing Albon by two to three tenths in recent outings. That gap aligns more with initial expectations than the impressive closeness seen when Colapinto first joined the team.
Red Bull, which Colapinto is trying to impress for a potential 2025 seat, has taken note. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, acknowledged Colapinto’s talent but emphasized the immense pressure in F1.
Christian Horner:
“He’s obviously got talent, but the pressure in this business is very tough.”
Time Running Out to Make His Case
Colapinto’s chances of securing a 2025 seat-either at Red Bull or its sister team-hinge on his ability to finish the season on a high. With just two races left, including Qatar and Abu Dhabi, his margin for error is non-existent.
Williams’ James Vowles offered some defense, noting Colapinto’s inexperience in wet conditions and the team’s own missteps in handling his Vegas qualifying run. However, Vowles also emphasized the need for Colapinto to demonstrate a complete and consistent package.
James Vowles:
“He needs to pull it together as a package. He’s shown he can race well, but the crashes and errors need to stop.”
Qatar Sprint Race – A Chance to Rebuild Confidence?
With limited chances to recover in Qatar’s short Sprint Race, Colapinto will need to focus on salvaging some positives. While his car’s performance limitations might prevent a points finish, showcasing resilience and clean racing will be critical.
As the clock ticks down on his Williams stint, Colapinto’s next two weekends could determine whether his future lies in Formula 1-or if his brief opportunity becomes a footnote in the sport’s history.