Five-point F1 driver claims he ‘left a mark’ on the sport after just nine races, ‘very impressive, no?’

The 2024 F1 season was one of the most entertaining and dramatic campaigns in the sport’s recent history.

After there were no driver changes from the end of the 2023 season – the first time that has happened in F1 history – not many were expecting much changes to the order in 2024. Max Verstappen came off the back of the most dominant season ever with 19 out of 22 wins.

While normality seemed to resume at the start of 2024 with the Dutchman winning seven of the first 10 races, Verstappen did not win again until the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Red Bull regressed in performance with the RB20 as McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes made steps forward.

There were seven different winners in 2024, with each driver from the top four teams bar Sergio Perez winning a race. Despite a late charge from Lando Norris and McLaren, Verstappen held on for his fourth consecutive title.

While the season did not start with any new drivers, it did end with four. Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan were all afforded opportunities with Ferrari and Haas, Racing Bulls and Alpine respectively.

The fourth rookie to join the grid in 2024 was Franco Colapinto at Williams – and the 21-year-old made a serious impression on F1.

Franco Colapinto claims he ‘left a mark’ on Formula 1 after just nine races

Colapinto was called up to replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the season from the Italian Grand Prix onwards. He became the first Argentine to race in F1 since 2001.

The 21-year-old was immediately on the pace. Finishing P12 from 18th on his debut at Monza, Colapinto reached Q3 in Baku – outqualifying teammate Alex Albon – and went on to score his first points in F1 with eighth in the race.

READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto? Everything to know

He grabbed another point in Austin, finishing the year with five points from nine races – four more than Sargeant managed in 36 Grand Prix. Flavio Briatore later signed Colapinto for Alpine, joining the Enstone-based outfit as their reserve driver for 2025.

As well as his impact on the track, Colapinto caused a surge in F1 TV viewership in Argentina, with many fans returning to the sport. Speaking with Corazon de F1, the 21-year-old feels he ‘left a mark’ on F1 with his impact in his home nation.

“The adaptation without having done any testing, suddenly getting in to race in Monza and have that performance in Baku, my second race Q3, was something very impressive, no? And I think that I left a mark on Formula 1,” he said.

“I think that in Argentina we have forgotten a little about Formula 1 and I think it was very good that I came back to and make us remember what a sport like motor racing generates, having brought many people back to the sport.

“And I think that Argentines are very passionate, no? And when we see that an Argentine has a lot of desire to carry the Argentine flag up there, we support him.

“And they supported me so much that I think they did something very nice. They made Formula 1 realise what we are in Argentina. They want Argentina back in F1.”

F1 might be pushing for Alpine to replace Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto

As a reserve driver, Colapinto will support Alpine throughout 2025 with simulator work. However, the Argentine could find himself back in a race seat sooner than expected.

Alpine will run Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan this season, but the latter is already at risk of losing his seat. Doohan’s contract is reportedly only for six races, giving him limited time to prove himself having only made one appearance in the sport so far (2024 Abu Dhabi GP).

If Doohan fails to perform, Colapinto will be waiting in the wings to replace him. Juan Pablo Montoya thinks F1 is pushing Alpine to sack Doohan and bring the Argentine into the seat due to his commercial value in South America.

Doohan snapped at questions about Colapinto at the F1 75 launch event, stating that he is the team’s reserve driver. Understandably, Alpine’s PR officer later blocked further questions on the matter.

Colapinto has played down the rumours that he could replace the Aussie. But given his long-term contract and heavy price tag, it is very clear what Alpine’s intentions are.