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Franco Colapinto has ‘dream come true’ Lewis Hamilton moment after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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For the first time since 1982, a driver from Argentina registered a Formula 1 world championship point.

Carlos Reutemann was the last man to do so and Franco Colapinto will know if he can come close to emulating his fellow countryman’s career in F1 he would have done a fantastic job.

In just his second race for Williams after replacing Logan Sargeant, Colapinto delivered four vital points for the team that helped them leapfrog Alpine in the Constructors’ Championship.

It could earn Williams millions of pounds in additional prize money at the end of the season with Colapinto’s teammate Alex Albon nailing his one-stop strategy to finish 7th.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship

Colapinto was the first driver to pit who only stopped once, meaning he had to nurse his hard tyres for longer than any other driver.

F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

He fell behind Nico Hulkenberg as a result, only to find a way back past him when his tyres came back to life.

The crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz earned him three points more than expected but he was still on for a top-ten finish after managing to fend off seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Colapinto took to Instagram after the race and shared an insight into his interaction with Hamilton after the Grand Prix.

For a rookie to be up against Hamilton in just his second race and come out on top shows his impressive composure and that Williams made the right choice parachuting him into the team.

Franco Colapinto shares Lewis Hamilton interaction after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Posting on social media after the race, Colapinto said: “My best moment of the day.. How crazy and what a dream come true to shake hands with @lewishamilton after a race together wow.”

Franco Colapinto describes ‘dream’ Lewis Hamilton moment after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Franco Colapinto describes ‘dream’ Lewis Hamilton moment after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Cr. (francocolapinto) © 2024 INSTAGRAM FROM META.

Argentinian DJ Bizzarap replied to Colapinto’s message saying, “Y si”, which translates to “Naturally” and celebrated the youngster’s result further on X.

Bizzarap said: “FRANCO COLAPINTO, JUST LIKE THAT’, after surpassing Sargeant’s career F1 points tally in just one race.

Colapinto told he might need security at an upcoming Formula 1 race

The 21-year-old driver started the race cleanly and ran just over a second behind Fernando Alonso during the first stint.

He mentioned on the radio that he wasn’t pushing as hard as he could but the team advised him against running in Alonso’s dirty air and instead pitted him early and allowed him to make his way back through the field.

Hamilton managed to find a way past fellow rookie Oliver Bearman but couldn’t overtake Colapinto after having to start from the pit lane.

Colapinto already has huge support from Argentina given how long they’ve been waiting for a driver to return to the grid.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats

The Brazilian Grand Prix could see Colapinto needing security at the track given how many Argentine fans could descend on Interlagos to support him.

Colapinto has been told to try and make a move for the vacant Sauber seat and Mattia Binotto would have been watching how he got on.

Although he’s not the favourite for the role, he’s not doing his long-term F1 prospects any harm with his performances so far.