In recent weeks, there has been plenty of speculation about Franco Colapinto and his Formula 1 future. Could a move to Red Bull actually be likely? The Argentine driver replaced the disappointing Logan Sargeant at Williams starting from the the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit. Since then, the 21-year-old has scored 5 points, far exceeding the team’s expectations. “Colapinto-mania” has erupted; his homeland is dreaming big, and teams are vying for his talent next year.
Among the suitors is Red Bull, where Sergio Pérez’s future is uncertain. The Mexican has underperformed in the second half of the season, clearly not on Max Verstappen’s level. The championship leader could already secure his fourth world title in Las Vegas, even though Red Bull has dropped to third in the standings.
Christian Horner has stated that there is strong interest in Franco Colapinto as a potential replacement for Sergio Pérez next year. But is such a move too risky?
Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, is convinced it would be: “The Argentine is clearly very fast and talented. I think we’d all admit, Williams included, that he’s been a bit of a surprise since his junior record didn’t suggest he’d perform as well as he has.”
However, the former driver believes it would be a mistake for Franco Colapinto to join Red Bull. “I think it’s too soon,” he continued. While joining a top team “would be a good, logical choice and a career step forward for him,” it could end up backfiring. If they put him in a Red Bull alongside Max, it could destroy him. I think it would be too early,” he concluded.
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