Franco Colapinto did something ‘amazing’ with the F1 media during his rookie season with Williams

Franco Colapinto made a huge impact in his rookie season in F1 with Williams last season.

The Argentine scored five points in his nine appearances in 2024 as Logan Sargeant’s replacement – the American managed just one point in 36 races for the Grove-based outfit.

Colapinto kept pace with experienced teammate Alex Albon and pressured the Thai driver. The 21-year-old beat him five times in his nine races – albeit two were due to retirements.

Like his teammate, Colapinto was prone to crashes in 2024, having huge accidents in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas. Williams even had to borrow parts from Aston Martin after his crash in Las Vegas in qualifying.

The Argentine’s accidents would ultimately cost Colapinto a move to Racing Bulls. The Faenza-based outfit had been impressed by his performances and were considering him for 2025 if Sergio Perez was sacked by Red Bull.

With no seat available for him at Williams, Colapinto signed with Alpine on a multi-year deal as their reserve driver. Flavio Briatore was impressed by Colapinto on his debut at Monza and sought to sign the 21-year-old for 2025.

Laura Winter left stunned by ‘amazing’ Franco Colapinto’s lengthy answers in interviews

Coming up from F2, Colapinto had several things to get used to in his rookie season in F1. One of those was extensive interviews with the media.

Interest in the 21-year-old was heightened by the fact he was the first Argentine to race in F1 since 2001. And speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, journalist Laura Winter recalled how she was left amazed by Colapinto’s lengthy answers when he first arrived in the sport.

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

“One of the first interviews we did on the PO show went to like seven minutes and typically we keep them to like three and, the drivers are going in and out”, she said.

“But Franco, he answered all the questions that I had in my head in the first answer over four minutes and I was like: ‘This kid is amazing’.

“And he’s like: ‘Sorry. I’m just really excited to be here”’ And I remember he made a comment to his press officer saying: ‘God media on Thursdays takes a really long time.’

“And his press officer was like: ‘No, you just talk way too much!’ I think he probably by the end of the season cut that time down, realising the demands of the schedule.

“He’ll obviously be around for next season with Alpine but he’ll be missed on the grid this year”.

Will Franco Colapinto be on the grid with Alpine in 2025?

Colapinto will remain in F1 in some capacity in 2025 as Alpine’s reserve driver. He joins Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa on the sidelines, but the Argentine’s long-term contract suggests the Enstone-based outfit have him in mind for the future.

Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will race in 2025 hoping to build upon Alpine’s sixth place finish in the constructors’ championship last year. But it may not be that duo that finishes the season with the team.

Doohan’s contract is said to be only for six races, putting the Aussie under immense pressure despite only making one appearance in F1 so far at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Colapinto will be looking to replace the 22-year-old if he fails to deliver the results. However, Doohan could prevent Colapinto from racing by hitting performance targets in his contract.

Doohan has been told to match teammate Gasly to save his seat, which will be no easy feat given the Frenchman is well-established with Alpine.