Driver with similar path hopes Colapinto's 'talent gets recognised'
After Logan Sargeant lost his Formula 1 seat, there is one driver who can relate to him. Nyck De Vries lost his AlphaTauri drive after 10 races last season after, according to the team, a disappointing performance. Sargeant was replaced by Argentinian Franco Colapinto, who De Vries knows well after the pair both competed in the European Le Mans Series.
Speaking to the Japanese edition of Motorsport.com, De Vries said he believes Colapinto has "done an incredible job" after the Argentinian's Formula 1 debut. In two races, Colapinto has scored four points after finishing eighth in Azerbaijan. "He has shown that he is tremendously fast and that is how I know him."
De Vries is in Japan competing in Super Formula for the second time this weekend. In the paddock at Fuji Speedway, De Vries went further, adding how he likes that Colapinto managed to work his way up to the top class of motorsport. "He has a lot of pure talent and has the ability to push the limit. I am very happy for him because he has not had an easy path to Formula 1. So far, he has grabbed this opportunity with both hands."
De Vries hopes for another chance for Colapinto
Colapinto will race for Williams until the end of the season, but after that his future is unclear. The British team have already confirmed Carlos Sainz will partner Alex Albon in 2025, meaning Colapinto won't get a full-time seat at Williams. De Vries himself also competed first in F1 at an Italian GP with a Williams, and then he got the chance to drive full-time at AlphaTauri the season after.
The Dutchman also hopes that Colapinto can find a full-time drive soon. "I hope he gets the chance to come back, that someone recognises his qualities and gives him that opportunity," the Dutchman concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen.
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Yeah, but apart from Stake which is still humming and hurring about who they should put in their other seat next to Hulk, there are no other open seats avaliable on the grid. A long shot but possibility is if Checo is dropped entirely and one of the VCARB drivers is promoted to be Max's team mate, then there could be an open seat at VCARB for 2025, but RB themselves have junior drivers whom they might prefer to put in that seat. However, if its a toss up between Colapinto and Hadjar, then Colapinto will be a far better option in terms of driving ability (comparing junior category results) and also in personality and behaviour.
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