Source: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
[Saba Sports News] Starting from the Italian F1 Grand Prix, Williams Academy driver Franco Colapinto has replaced Logan Sargeant in the driver seat, with the team hoping to maximize his scoring opportunities for the remainder of the 2024 season. However, since Williams has already signed contracts with Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz, the possibility of Colapinto racing for Williams next year has been closed off. After impressing in his F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix and scoring points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Colapinto has shown the world that he deserves a place in F1. In response, Williams team principal James Vowles stated in an interview with Dutch F1 Magazine that he would do his best to help Colapinto remain on the F1 grid in 2025. Audi will take over the current Sauber team in 2026, making it an opportune time for Colapinto to vie for a seat there. Currently, Sauber’s existing drivers Valtteri Bottas and McLaren’s reserve driver Gabriel Bortoleto are considered strong candidates to partner with Nico Hulkenberg next season, but Vowles believes he can help Colapinto find a full-time seat in F1 for 2025.