Lewis Hamilton has stepped up to support Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine, who consistently performs well for Williams every race weekend, still does not have a seat for the upcoming season. With the arrival of Carlos Sainz, Colapinto automatically reverts to the reserve bench. Hamilton advises him to keep fighting for a new contract, as he deserves to stay in Formula 1.
Hamilton and Colapinto both attended an official FIA press conference on Thursday. With the São Paulo GP on the horizon, much attention is being paid to the young Argentine. Since his debut at the Italian GP, Colapinto has become one of the idols of South American racing fans. Hamilton, who himself has been named an honorary citizen of Brazil, understands this popularity well. He especially hopes that his youngest competitor will continue to fight hard for a new contract in the coming weeks.
A Leap into the Deep
“I think he has done incredibly well,” Hamilton said about Colapinto on Thursday. “He was called up at the last minute – in Formula 1 that really means you’re thrown in at the deep end. Most of us, if we’re a bit lucky, can prepare ourselves very well. Take Kimi (Antonelli, ed.) for example; he has had so many test days. I think he’s been in a Formula 1 car twenty times already.
Horner Confirms Interest in ‘Surprising’ Franco Colapinto
“This young man didn’t have that,” he pointed to Colapinto. “He just jumped in the car and did a fantastic job right away. I love seeing young talents get the chance to shine like this.” During Colapinto’s debut in Italy, he was immediately able to measure himself against the seven-time world champion. Lewis Hamilton looks back on a beautiful and, moreover, fair fight. “We had a small duel in Monza,” the Brit explained. “It was all very safe. It was tough, but also fair, and that’s why I think he deserves to be here.”
Williams team boss James Vowles is willing to ‘loan out’ Colapinto to Sauber next year, the only team that still has a seat available. Red Bull has also shown interest in the young Argentine, although they do not want to contract him on a loan basis. “We want Colapinto in full or not at all,” Helmut Marko said this week. “I would advise him (Colapinto) to just keep pushing and do everything to get a seat,” Hamilton concluded. “Focus on your work and keep racing as you are now.”
