Franco Colapinto reveals what Max Verstappen privately told him about his Argentine F1 fans

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Franco Colapinto has stood out as one of the most popular drivers on the Formula 1 grid since he joined the sport in 2024, particularly from his home nation.

Since Colapinto made his debut with Williams at Monza in 2024, F1 has seen a significant increase in interest from Argentina. After all, he is the first driver from the country since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001.

In his six races in 2024, the 21-year-old scored five points, four more than his predecessor, Logan Sargeant, managed in 36 Grand Prix starts. Colapinto’s success garnered more attention from Argentina, with Williams receiving sponsorship offers from the nation.

George Russell and Franco Colapinto were the only F1 drivers to finish every Grand Prix they started in 2025

Has Franco Colapinto improved enough to suggest he can match Pierre Gasly with a Mercedes engine at Alpine in 2026?

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That trend continued when Colapinto joined Alpine in 2025 and subsequently replaced Jack Doohan six races into the season. While he was the only full-time driver not to score any points, he did bring huge financial backing to the team.

In fact, his sponsors were Flavio Briatore’s ‘favourable’ reason for retaining Colapinto for 2026. He may not have been the most successful driver on the grid in 2025, but he remained one of the most well-supported.

Max Verstappen told Franco Colapinto he cannot believe the ‘incredible’ support he gets at F1 races

The sheer scale of the Argentine’s support was made apparent when he returned to F1 at Imola. Colapinto’s fans covered the paddock in Argentina flags, highlighting just how admired he is by his countrymen.

It is something that many drivers find unprecedented, including Max Verstappen. Speaking to Rolling Stone Argentina, Colapinto revealed how taken aback the Red Bull driver is about his fanbase.

“Yes, it’s very special to me. I think being Argentinian and having the support of an entire country is incredible,” said the Alpine driver.

“Especially when you’re a driver. European drivers can’t believe the level of support I have. Max tells me: ‘It’s incredible.’ They’re at every circuit, everywhere.

“They’re in Singapore, but then they’re in Brazil. They’re in Baku, but then they’re in Italy. They’re everywhere, and on all the tracks that you say here they don’t get to, they don’t get to Qatar.

“I’m like: ‘How are they in Qatar? Did they stay from the World Cup?’ They stayed here, you don’t understand me. And they go and travel and get to everywhere.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Franco Colapinto from F1 stats to height

Franco Colapinto has not pleased F1 key figures with his 2025 season

While Colapinto has gained incredible support in the F1 paddock, his performances on the track have left something to be desired.

He struggled to adapt to the A525 and was considerably outperformed by teammate Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman scored all of Alpine’s points in 2025, while Colapinto languished at the back for most of the season.

His speed did improve in the final races of the season, but Guenther Steiner found Colapinto ‘dull’ to watch. Alpine have retained him for 2026, but the pressure is already being mounted on the Argentine.

Martin Brundle said Colapinto still has to prove himself as he offered his instant thoughts on his new contract. Scoring no points and making several rookie mistakes is something that cannot be repeated.

Alpine’s new Mercedes engines could give the 21-year-old the boost he needs. But he will still need to deliver the goods, or face dropping off the grid come 2027.