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Franco Colapinto

Franco Alejandro Colapinto (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈfɾan.ko aleˈxandɾo ko.laˈpin.to]; born 27 May 2003) is an Argentine racing driver, currently competing in Formula One for Williams.

Graduating from karting to junior formulae in 2018, Colapinto won his first championship at the 2019 F4 Spanish Championship with Drivex. He then finished third in the Formula Renault Eurocup and the Toyota Racing Series in 2020. Colapinto moved into endurance racing in 2021, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series for G-Drive Racing. Colapinto progressed to FIA Formula 3 in 2022, finishing fourth the following season with MP Motorsport and graduating to Formula 2.

A member of the Williams Driver Academy since 2023, Colapinto made his Formula One debut at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, replacing Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 season as an interim for the incoming Carlos Sainz Jr.[1] With his debut, he became the first Argentine driver to compete in Formula One since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001. Colapinto scored his maiden points finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Career

Karting

Colapinto started karting at the age of nine.[2] He won the Argentine Championship in 2016 (Pre-Junior class) and 2018 (Sudam class), as well as the Buenos Aires Regional Championship in 2016 (Pre-Junior class) and 2017 (Junior class). Colapinto won the gold medal at the 2018 Youth Summer Olympics in partnership with María García Puig.[3]

F4 Spanish Championship

Colapinto made his car racing debut in 2018, participating in the final round of the F4 Spanish Championship, driving for Drivex School. In 2019 Colapinto signed with FA Racing by Drivex for a full campaign in the F4 Spanish Championship. He took the title by winning all three races in the season finale[4] bringing his debut car racing season tally to eleven victories, 13 podiums and 14 pole positions.[5][6]

Euroformula Open

During the 2019 season, Colapinto drove for Drivex as a guest driver in the 2019 round at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.[7]

Formula Renault Eurocup

Colapinto during the 2021 Formula Regional European Championship at the Red Bull Ring.

Drivex also ran Colapinto during the 2019 season at Spa and Catalunya.[8][9] In July 2020, Colapinto joined the championship[10] full-time with Dutch outfit MP Motorsport.[11]

Toyota Racing Series

In January 2020, Colapinto joined Kiwi Motorsport for the 2020 championship.[12] The season saw him claim a race win in Hampton Downs and further 7 podiums and end the championship third overall, clinching the rookie championship win.[13][14]

European and Asian Le Mans Series

For 2021, Colapinto took part in the European and Asian Le Mans Series driving an Aurus 01 for G-Drive Racing. In Asia the season saw him claim 3 podiums in 4 races and end the championship third overall with his co-drivers Rui Andrade and John Falb; in Europe he partnered with Nyck de Vries and Roman Rusinov and finished fourth overall.[15][16][17][18]

FIA Formula 3 Championship

2022

Colapinto driving the Dallara F3 2019 during the 2022 Spielberg Formula 3 round

In October 2020, Colapinto joined MP Motorsport for the first day of post-season testing at Catalunya.[19][20] He did likewise the following year at Valencia, but ended up signing for Van Amersfoort Racing instead for the 2022 season, partnering Rafael Villagómez and Reece Ushijima.[21] Colapinto started his F3 career with a pole position on his and his team's debut in the series at Sakhir.[22] He went on to win the Sprint Race at the following round in Imola, scoring his and VAR's maiden victory in the series.[23] Throughout the season Colapinto took three more podium finishes at the Spielberg, Budapest and Zandvoort rounds and a second Sprint Race win at the final round in Monza to finish ninth in the drivers' standings.[24][25]

2023

Colapinto driving for MP Motorsport during the 2023 Spielberg Formula 3 round

In September, Colapinto partook in the 2022 post-season test, again with MP Motorsport.[26] On January 9, 2023, he was announced as MP Motorsport's driver for the 2023 season.[27]

At the season-opening Sakhir round, Colapinto qualified 12th and consequently claimed pole position for the Sprint Race, where he crossed the line in second place behind Pepe Martí. He finished 10th in the Feature Race on Sunday, scoring one more point.

Colapinto went on to qualify 7th in Melbourne. He started the Sprint Race in sixth place and climbed up the order to claim his first victory of the season.[28] However, after post-race inspections found all three MP Motorsport cars to have infringed technical regulations, he was disqualified from the Sprint Race along with his teammates Jonny Edgar and Mari Boya.[29] He then crashed out of the Feature Race, departing Australia without points.

Since then, Colapinto went on to consistently score points on every round of the calendar, aside from the Spielberg Sprint Race where he finished 13th and the season-ending Monza Feature Race in which he retired with a suspension failure after contact in the first lap. He ended the season fourth in the Drivers' Championship, with two wins at the Silverstone and Monza Sprint Races and three podium finishes at Sakhir, Catalunya and Budapest.

Macau Grand Prix

Colapinto was set to race in the 2023 Macau Grand Prix with MP Motorsport.[30] However, he withdrew from the event last-minute due to a broken collarbone he sustained prior to the final F3 round, and was replaced by Dennis Hauger.[31]

FIA Formula 2 Championship

2023

In October 2023, Colapinto was announced to be replacing Jehan Daruvala, moving up to Formula 2 for the final race in Yas Marina and the full 2024 season with MP Motorsport.[32] Ahead of his F2 debut, Colapinto expressed that "it's going to be tough" yet he was "super excited".[33] He finished 19th in the sprint race, but retired from the feature race due to a sensor issue.[34]

2024

Colapinto driving the Dallara F2 2024 during the 2024 Spielberg Formula 2 round

Colapinto remained with MP Motorsport for the 2024 season, driving alongside 2021 FIA Formula 3 champion Dennis Hauger. At the Imola round, Colapinto claimed his first F2 victory in the Sprint Race, additionally setting the fastest lap. With four rounds remaining, Colapinto ended his campaign after a promotion to Formula One.

Formula One

In January 2023, Colapinto joined the Williams Driver Academy.[35]

Colapinto made his debut in a Formula One car with the Williams FW45, during the 2023 post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit.[36] Colapinto set the 22nd fastest time overall, completing 65 laps. This made him the first Argentine to drive an F1 car since Gastón Mazzacane competed in the 2001 San Marino Grand Prix.[37] Colapinto made his Formula One free practice debut at the 2024 British Grand Prix, driving for Williams in the first session in place of Logan Sargeant.[38] Ahead of his free practice debut, Colapinto stated that it was a "historic moment" representing Argentina.[39]

Williams (2024)

Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams after the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix and is competing for Williams for the remainder of the 2024 Formula One season,[40] having made his debut at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.[41] Colapinto is the first Formula One driver from Argentina since Gastón Mazzacane, who last raced in 2001. Colapinto qualified in eighteenth and went on to recover six positions to finish in twelfth. Colapinto recovered from a crash in FP1 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to qualify in ninth for the race, three tenths ahead of his teammate Alex Albon in tenth. Colapinto finished eighth in his second F1 race, the first Argentine to score points in Formula One since Carlos Reutemann in 1982.[42]

Personal life

Colapinto is of Italian descent by paternal side and of Ukrainian descent from the side of his mother Andrea Trofimczuk.[43] He names Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna as his favourite drivers and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps as his favourite track.[2] He is a Boca Juniors supporter.[44]

Karting record

Karting career summary

Complete CIK-FIA Karting European Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Racing record

Racing career summary

† As Colapinto was a guest driver, he was ineligible for points.
* Season still in progress.

Complete F4 Spanish Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Complete Formula Renault Eurocup results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

† As Colapinto was a guest driver, he was ineligible for points.
‡ Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

Complete Toyota Racing Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Complete Asian Le Mans Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Complete Formula Regional European Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

† Driver did not finish the race, but was classified as they completed more than 90% of the race distance.

Complete European Le Mans Series results

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

Complete FIA Formula 3 Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

Complete FIA Formula 2 Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

* Season still in progress.

References

  1. ^ "REPORT: Finding our feet in Monza". Williams Racing. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Franco". Franco Colapinto. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  3. ^ "FIA Supports E-Kart race in Buenos Aires". Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. 15 October 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  4. ^ Moreno, Guillermo (9 November 2019). "Colapinto gana en Montmeló y se proclama campeón de la F4 Española". Formula Rápida. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  5. ^ "BULLET ATHLETE FRANCO COLAPINTO WINS FIA SPANISH F4". Franco Colapinto. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  6. ^ "BULLET ATHLETE FRANCO COLAPINTO WINS FIA SPANISH F4". Bullet Sports Management Ltd. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  7. ^ Wood, Elliot (4 June 2019). "Fernando Alonso protege Franco Colapinto joins Euroformula Open, RP Motorsport returns". FormulaScout. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  8. ^ "The mid-way point of the season at Spa". 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Victor Martins sweeps Barcelona weekend". 29 September 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  10. ^ "BULLET ATHLETE FRANCO COLAPINTO SIGNS WITH MP MOTORSPORT FOR FORMULA RENAULT EUROCUP". Franco Colapinto. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  11. ^ Wood, Elliot (6 July 2020). "Franco Colapinto to Formula Renault Eurocup with MP Motorsport". FormulaScout. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  12. ^ "FRANCO COLAPINTO ENTERS TOYOTA RACING SERIES". Bullet Sports Management Ltd. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  13. ^ "FRANCO COLAPINTO WINS 'ROOKIE' TITLE AND TAKES THIRD OVERALL IN TRS". Franco Colapinto. 18 February 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  14. ^ "FRANCO COLAPINTO WINS 'ROOKIE' TITLE AND TAKES THIRD OVERALL IN TRS". Bullet Sports Management Ltd. 18 February 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  15. ^ "2021 Asian Le Mans Series, 36 Car Entry Assembles". 3 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  16. ^ "JOTA Win Asian Le Mans Series Finale In A Thriller! #26 G-Drive Crew Take The Title". 20 February 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  17. ^ "European Le Mans Series Standings 2021 - Motorsport Stats". motorsportstats.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  18. ^ Goodwin, Graham (23 March 2021). "De Vries & Colapinto Join Rusinov At G-Drive For 2021 ELMS & Le Mans". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  19. ^ "FIA Formula 3 returns to action for Barcelona post-season test". 4 October 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  20. ^ "Nannini tops Day 1 of post-season testing in Barcelona, ahead of Hughes". 5 October 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  21. ^ Allen, Peter (3 February 2022). "Franco Colapinto gets FIA F3 drive with Van Amersfoort Racing". Formula Scout. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  22. ^ "QUALIFYING: Colapinto takes Sakhir pole for Van Amersfoort Racing on debut". FIAFormula3® - The Official F3® Website. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  23. ^ "F3 Imola: Colapinto wins sprint as Collet, Hadjar collide". www.motorsport.com. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  24. ^ "Calendar & Results for the FIA Formula 3 2022 Championship: The Road to F1". FIAFormula3® - The Official F3® Website. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  25. ^ "Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 3 2022 Championship". FIAFormula3® - The Official F3® Website. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  26. ^ Wood, Ida (20 September 2022). "FIA F3 reveals full entry list for post-season Jerez test". Formula Scout. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  27. ^ "Franco Colapinto joins Williams as F1 junior and moves to MP in F3". Formula Scout. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  28. ^ "SPRINT RACE: Colapinto takes measured win amidst the drama in Melbourne". FIAFormula3® - The Official F3® Website. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  29. ^ "Colapinto loses Sprint Race win after technical infringement". FIAFormula3® - The Official F3® Website. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  30. ^ Wood, Ida (25 October 2023). "Two-time winner Ticktum headlines 2023 Macau GP entry list". Formula Scout. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  31. ^ Wood, Ida (11 November 2023). "2021 FIA F3 champion Hauger replaces Colapinto in MP's Macau line-up". Formula Scout. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  32. ^ "Franco Colapinto graduates to F2 with MP Motorsport for Yas Marina finale and 2024 season". FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  33. ^ "Colapinto: 'Privilege' to make early F2 debut with progression not results the focus ahead of 2024". FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website. 23 November 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Academy Report: Trio try something new". Williams Racing. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  35. ^ "Franco Colapinto joins Williams Racing Driver Academy". Williams Racing. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  36. ^ "Franco Colapinto to drive Williams Racing F1 car in Abu Dhabi". francolapinto.com. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  37. ^ "Franco and Zak reflect on the Post-Season Test". Williams Racing. 29 November 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  38. ^ "Franco Colapinto to take the wheel in Silverstone FP1 session". Williams Racing. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  39. ^ "'It's a historic moment' – Colapinto on his 'mega' FP1 chance at Silverstone with Williams and representing Argentina". Formula 1. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  40. ^ "Williams Racing announces that Franco Colapinto will race with the team for the remainder of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season". Williams Racing. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  41. ^ McClure, Michael (27 August 2024). "Colapinto to make F1 debut for Williams at Monza, replacing Sargeant". Feeder Series. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  42. ^ "Colapinto declares points finish 'a dream come true' as Williams celebrate double success in Baku". Formula One. 15 September 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  43. ^ "Новачок Ф1 Франко Колапінто має українське коріння" (in Ukrainian). setantasports.com. 11 September 2024.
  44. ^ "Colapinto y su pasión por Boca: usará el número 12 en la F2" (in Spanish). Torneos y Competencias. 8 February 2024.
  45. ^ "ARGENTINO. Apasionantes definiciones en Villaguay para coronar los nuevos campeones". Curva 1 Kart (in Spanish). 14 December 2015.
  46. ^ "El Argentino de Karting cerró su temporada". Vértigo Motorsport (in Spanish). 14 December 2016.
  47. ^ "REGIONAL. Con fecha doble cerró la temporada 2016 coronando a sus campeones". Curva 1 Kart (in Spanish). 29 November 2016.
  48. ^ "Regional de Karting cerró la temporada con la coronación de sus campeones". Curva 1 Kart (in Spanish). 29 November 2017.
  49. ^ "ARGENTINO cerró la temporada y coronó a los campeones 2018". Curva 1 Kart (in Spanish). 10 December 2018.

External links