When Franco Colapinto made his Formula 1 debut last year, he had an immediate impact on the sport. In just his second Grand Prix start, he became the first driver from Argentina to score points in F1 in 42 years. An eighth-place finish on the streets of Baku was a historic achievement and a testament to Franco’s talent behind the wheel. He scored another point in Austin, and across his nine races for Williams, the 21-year-old’s performances garnered immense support from his native Argentina. His appointment as Reserve Driver for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team in 2025 marks the next step in an already impressive career.

 


Born in Pilar, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, on May 27, 2003, Franco Alejandro Colapinto began racing karts at a young age. He clinched national karting championships in 2016 and 2018 and also secured a gold medal driving an electric-powered kart at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. Later that year, at just 15, he moved to Europe to compete at the entry level of single-seater competition.

 


After winning one of the races during his debut weekend in Spanish F4, he committed to the series full-time in 2019. With ten poles and 11 wins, Franco dominated the championship, taking the title convincingly. He spent the winter competing in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, where he finished third overall. In 2020, he returned to Europe to race in the Formula Renault Eurocup, claiming four victories over successive seasons.

 


Franco expanded his motorsport repertoire in 2021 by competing in both the Asian and European Le Mans Series. His season in sportscars included an entry in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LMP2 class with G-Drive Racing. In 2022, he shifted his focus back to single-seaters, joining the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Once again, he made an immediate impact, securing pole position at the season opener in Bahrain and again at round two in Imola, where he gave Van Amersfoort Racing their maiden F3 win with a dramatic last-lap pass.

 

 

Another full F3 campaign the following year led to race wins at Silverstone and Monza, culminating in fourth overall in the standings and an opportunity to graduate to FIA Formula 2. Early last year, Franco claimed his maiden F2 win at Imola, but his season was cut short by a surprise call-up to Formula 1. After making his debut in FP1 at the British Grand Prix, he secured a nine-race deal with Williams. By starting the Italian Grand Prix, he became the first Argentine driver to compete in F1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.

 


Franco’s F1 performances have been impressive. After his eighth place in Baku, at the next race in Singapore, he came tantalisingly close to another points finish — crossing the line in 11th. He then clinched tenth at the United States Grand Prix. Despite challenging weather conditions, he received overwhelming support from the many fans who travelled from Argentina to watch him race in Brazil. His drives have cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars and further boosted his popularity at home and abroad.