Danica Patrick in awe of winless driver after noticing people ‘just all over him’ in F1 paddock

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Formula 1 has become increasingly popular in recent years with drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo being especially well-liked during his time in the sport.

On the current grid, some drivers are more popular than others, which is highlighted at their home races, such as Sergio Perez at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The added attention of competing at a driver’s home race or being a fan favourite can have mixed effects, as it can add pressure or be used as a positive.

Danica Patrick explained on Sky Sports F1 that she would like to see one particularly popular driver in Formula 1 ahead of qualifying in Mexico.

Danica Patrick explained Franco Colapinto has people ‘just all over him’ in the paddock

Franco Colapinto has been incredibly impressive during his short stint in Formula 1 so far, scoring points in two of his four Grand Prix starts.

He has adapted well after replacing Logan Sargeant ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, performing at a higher level than the American.

Colapinto has been a very popular driver in F1, with a lot of support from fans in his native Argentina following him at races.

The Argentinian driver has looked at home at the highest level, making decisive moves in the midfield and not being comfortably beaten by his teammate Alex Albon.

Colapinto endured a difficult qualifying session in Mexico, getting knocked out in Q1 in an odd session, where Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri were also eliminated.

Patrick explained that should would like to see Colapinto continue in F1 and he has a lot of people around him in the paddock.

READ MORE: Franco Colapinto may have just let slip his plans for 2025 after shining at Williams

She explained: “Obviously, being in Mexico close [to Argentina], it’s definitely feeding into the fan base. But I tell you what, whether we’re in Austin or whether we’re here, he walks around the paddock with a gaggle of people just all over him. Cameras, microphones, recorders, pictures.

“He’s a very popular driver, and it’s not surprising. He has a fantastic personality. When you listen to him talk, maybe you guys thought the same, he’s open, but then he catches himself with humility, and he’s also a humble person. I’d love to see him in the series. He’d be great.”

Franco Colapinto needs to keep up the momentum to race in F1 next year

Colapinto has performed admirably in the opening stages of his F1 career, learning new tracks and adjusting to the added pressure of racing in Formula 1.

The Argentinian doesn’t have a drive for 2025 and Colapinto is also losing time by not maximising the controls on the steering wheel.

Sauber have a drive available for the 2025 season as they are looking for a teammate for German driver Nico Hulkenberg.

There may also be a seat at RB as they have a vacancy alongside Yuki Tsunoda, and James Vowles didn’t say no when asked about Colapinto’s Red Bull links.