Hamilton and Verstappen Endorse Franco Colapinto for Future F1 ..

“Hamilton and Verstappen Endorse Franco Colapinto for Future F1 Seat Amid Speculation Over 2025 Lineup”

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have thrown their support behind 21-year-old Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, suggesting he deserves a place in Formula 1. As speculation about Colapinto’s future swirls, the young driver has been impressing many with his performances this season, drawing praise from both the seven-time world champion and the current titleholder.

Hamilton, who sat alongside Colapinto during Thursday’s Media Day ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, was first to commend him publicly. Speaking highly of the Argentine’s adaptability, Hamilton remarked, “He’s done an incredible job.” He went on to explain that most drivers have a gradual progression into F1, but Colapinto was “thrown into the deep end” without that ramp-up period, handling the challenge exceptionally well. Recalling an early on-track battle with Colapinto, Hamilton noted that the rookie “raced hard but fair,” which further underscored his potential.

Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025, stated, “I think he’s earned his right to be here,” adding that if there’s a seat available, Colapinto should do everything possible to secure it. The British driver encouraged Colapinto to take charge of his future in F1 rather than leaving it in others’ hands.

Later, Verstappen shared similar sentiments when asked about Colapinto’s potential. Acknowledging that F1 decisions are complex, he stated, “With what he has shown so far, I think he deserves a place on the grid.” Although Colapinto has been linked to various teams, he is currently with Williams Racing, where he will be competing in his sixth Grand Prix race in Brazil. The qualifying round is set for Saturday at 3 p.m., with the race on Sunday at 2 p.m.

However, Colapinto’s path in F1 remains uncertain. Williams’ driver lineup for 2025 appears set, with Alex Albon contracted until 2027 and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz joining for the next two seasons. In light of this, Colapinto suggested that if Williams cannot offer him a seat, “the logical step would be to allow me to go somewhere else and find the best opportunity.” He emphasized that his focus is on performing well in Brazil rather than on next year’s prospects.

James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, has expressed his commitment to securing Colapinto’s future in F1, ideally placing him in a race seat in 2025 or positioning him as Williams’ lead test driver if a full-time position isn’t possible.

Among the potential teams reportedly interested in Colapinto are Red Bull Racing and their sister team, RBF1. Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez has struggled to keep pace with teammate Verstappen, accumulating less than half the points Verstappen has scored this season. His recent disappointing performance at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he was eliminated in the first qualifying segment and received a time penalty, has raised questions about his future.

Key Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko voiced his frustration over Pérez’s recent performances in his Speedweek column, describing the qualifying result as “very disappointing” and criticizing his error on the starting grid, which led to the penalty. Marko, who has previously praised Colapinto, described him as “one for the future” and commended his “incredible” performances for a relatively inexperienced driver during the Mexico GP.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has also spoken favorably of Colapinto’s potential, fueling speculation that the Argentine could have an opening with one of Red Bull’s teams. With both Hamilton and Verstappen lending their support, Colapinto’s F1 prospects are looking brighter, although a definitive seat remains undecided for 2025.