The Mexican GP was another strong race for Franco Colapinto, who continues to impress in the FW46. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the paddock – but he is unlikely to race in F1 next season.
Colapinto admits that options to race in F1 are limited
Since making Q3 and finishing 8th in Baku, Colapinto has gone to strength to strength. The Argentine has not finished below 12th in his five F1 Grand Prix, a truly impressive feat in the Williams.
His speed, adaptability and potential are clear to see – leading to reports about interest from teams elsewhere in the paddock
With Sauber holding the final vacant seat for 2025, Franco Colapinto has become a last-minute contender to join the Swiss team. Even now, Mattia Binotto’s outfit have not finalised their line-up for next year.
Unfortunately for Colapinto, his chances of joining Sauber next year are very low.
After the chequered flag in Mexico, he responded to a question about whether VCARB is a possible destination:
“At the moment, I don’t understand much of what they [rumours] are talking about, I don’t know where it came from.
“I don’t have any seat for next year,” Franco Colapinto clarified.
“And at the moment, I’m not [going to be] racing in Formula 1.
“Probably, I’m going to be racing somewhere else. So, look, it’s gonna be maybe a year that I’m not going to be here.
“But I hope to be showing that I deserve a seat here enough to come back here in 2026 or 2027.
“It is my goal, and is why I’m doing the best I can race after race.”
Williams likely to keep Colapinto as reserve driver in 2025
For the time being, a full-time seat is unlikely. There simply aren’t enough options available for next season – meaning that spending a year on the sidelines is almost inevitable.
Of course, this does not mean Colapinto’s F1 journey is over. He will continue working with Williams for the foreseeable future, giving him time to position himself for any openings in 2026.
Success in Formula 1 is often decided by timing. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his meteoric rise arrived slightly too late – after virtually every team had finalised their 2025 drivers.
However, the value Franco Colapinto brings to the table is undeniable. From a performance perspective, he is more than capable of fighting at the very top of the midfield.
His raw speed and precise technical feedback have allowed him to transition into Formula 1 with relative ease.
From a commercial perspective, his is also immensely valuable. Aside from generating a wave of support for Williams from Argentina, Colapinto also brings significant sponsorship.
Considering his strong results and charismatic personality, it is no surprise that brands have been fighting to sponsor Williams. This is a huge asset for any team, but especially those in the midfield.
When putting together everything he brings to the table, there can be no mistake that he is worthy of racing in Formula 1. The question is which teams will be open to pursuing his services ahead of 2026 – when the next regulatory cycle begins.
