Franco Colapinto, the young 21-year-old Argentine driver who participated in the Williams team, has experienced great success with Latin American fanatics since his debut in Formula 1. With only four careers in him, Colapinto has noticed the difference in the passion of the followers of motoring in comparison with other deportees.
When it comes to the Mexican Grand Prix, Colapinto felt a significant impact not only from his native Argentina, but also from Latin America as a whole. “Siento mucho apoyo. I'm excited about this carrera and I can see how much it represents for Latinos,” he said. “It's something special and unique”.
After his debut on the emblematic Monza circuit during the Italian Grand Prix, despite the disdain of Logan Sargeant, Colapinto has competed in Azerbaijan, Singapore and recently in the United States. In each place, the presence and enthusiasm of Latin American aficionados are palpable.
“Es bueno ver a tantos latinos apoyando. In other deportes, in menudo there are rivalries, but here everyone is together supporting”, he noted. “We have a common goal and it is exciting that we can be united.”
Colapinto and Sergio Pérez are currently the only Latin American representatives in Formula 1. Mexican Patricio O'Ward will also participate in Indy Racing and will be reserve driver for McLaren in Mexico. Colapinto recalled having supported Pérez from his beginnings, admiring his trajectory and feeling honored to compete on his side.
In his first four careers, Colapinto scored points on two occasions, highlighting his eighth goal in Azerbaijan. This tied a 43-year streak of no points for an Argentinian in Formula 1, since Carlos Reutemann in 1982. “We are in a process of learning. It will just be my fifth career and a long way to learn,” he commented. “I'm really happy with how we were growing as a crew.”
Colapinto hopes that his actions on the track will eventually attract the interests of patrons to undertake a Formula 1 career in Argentina. The nation has hosted F1 on 21 occasions, most recently in 1998. “It was incredible that Formula 1 would return to Argentina. It's something unique,” he concluded, although I recognize that there are obstacles to overcome before this can become a reality.