Franco Colapinto reveals ‘very difficult bet’ Williams made which he has already proven right

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Franco Colapinto has hit the ground running in extremely rapid fashion by Formula 1 rookie standards, after collecting an impressive haul of points in his second ever race.

In fact, he has already scored more points than Logan Sargeant in 34 less starts – justifying the decision to replace the American with his talents.

Colapinto has taken some by surprise, and appears to be on the radar of Audi for a seat in 2025 alongside Nico Hulkenberg, but he has to prove himself further for that sort of berth to be realistic yet.

He has seven more races with Williams to show that he deserves a full-time role on the grid, but his eighth-placed finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has certainly turned heads.

Franco Colapinto proving that Williams made correct call in ‘very difficult bet’

It’s a shame that Williams have already confirmed Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon as their drivers for 2025 because things might have changed if they had seen Colapinto in their car sooner.

With incredibly limited running, he has taken to the faster cars like a duck to water and is deservedly earning plaudits for the feat.

Speaking to Motorsport.com after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Argentine discussed the bet that Williams made on him.

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

“They showed so much confidence and trust in putting me in a seat,” he said. “It was a very difficult bet, and a bet that many people didn’t understand.

“But I hope to be showing what I’m capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1. The idea and the opportunity that James gave me are helping me to show that.”

What are Williams’ aims for the rest of the 2024 season?

Williams have burst into new life over the last few races, and seem to have a lot more pace at their disposal out of nowhere.

Currently sitting eighth in the constructors’ championship, they will be aiming to usurp both Haas and Visa Cash App RB to guarantee their highest finish since the 2017 season.

READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer explains why Sergio Perez was at fault for Baku crash with Carlos Sainz

That requires a lot more double points finishes like they enjoyed in Baku though, and for their car to remain consistent all circuit types.

The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix could be a problem, with the FW45 favouring tracks with straights and high-speed corners compared to anything tight, twisty, and on streets.

But the run after that should be more kind to them, and the addition of more experience should only help Colapinto contribute more to their efforts.