At the beginning of 2024, Franco Colapinto was probably hoping to grab the attention of Williams with a strong Formula 2 campaign.
However, with four rounds of the F2 season remaining, Franco Colapinto’s season came to an end.
Williams had decided that it was time to replace Logan Sargeant and needed a replacement immediately.
Liam Lawson was linked with Williams, while team principal James Vowles decided against giving Mick Schumacher a second chance in Formula 1.
Instead, Colapinto was promoted and immediately hit the ground running scoring points during his second race in Baku.
He added to his points tally in Austin, with Esteban Ocon apologising to Colapinto for stealing his fastest lap point to deny Williams an extra point in the constructors’ championship battle.
Colapinto was linked with Red Bull due to his performances although they eventually turned down the option to sign him in favour of promoting Liam Lawson.
Speaking to The Race, Colapinto chronicled his start to life in Formula 1, including the frustration of crashing out during qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Franco Colapinto laments Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend after qualifying crash
Reflecting on his start to life in F1, Colapinto said: “That’s a pressure you learn to manage when you’re quite young and you don’t have many opportunities, and you don’t have many chances of what you’re doing next if this doesn’t go well.
“When I was young, I was never sure if I was going to be able to [do] the next race if I didn’t perform in that one, or if I had a crash or anything. I didn’t used to have crashes – my first ones were in F1, almost!
“It’s part of the process. I’ve been through some moments that were tricky, trying to maximise the car.
READ MORE: James Vowles’ ‘take more care’ advice to Franco Colapinto at Las Vegas Grand Prix after recent crashes
“Brazil was very tough, a lot of rain, the car was almost undrivable for everyone. I see that as my first experience in the wet, my first experience on inters, everything was very new, so I understand that one.
“The one that hurts me is the Vegas one because I was in control and pushing the limits in qualifying, trying to put a Williams in Q3.
“The risk management was not right, but it’s in my nature to try and maximise every moment I jump in the car, as you said.
“And I think that was what I was going for, trying to put the car in Q3 and it didn’t work. But it’s part of the process, part of experience and I’m really happy with what they’ve done in these nine races.”
Franco Colapinto could make second F1 debut with Alpine in 2025
Colapinto was well aware that his nine-race run with Williams wouldn’t lead to a permanent race seat.
Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon in 2025 and many believe they could be the strongest driver pairing in the midfield this season.
However, Alpine decided to bring in Colapinto on a long-term loan as their reserve driver this year.
READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto? Everything to know
While Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will start the season as Alpine’s drivers, the young Australian’s contract may not run until the end of the year.
Doohan’s initial deal last just a few Grand Prix and if he’s not close enough to Gasly for Alpine’s liking, then they could quickly parachute Colapinto in.
Colapinto will be aware that he can’t afford a repeat of his crashes in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas if Alpine hand him a second chance this season.
Leave feedback about this