Franco Colapinto warned why Red Bull move ‘is a risk’ by Argentinian ex-F1 driver

Follow us on Google Discover

Franco Colapinto was given an opportunity to impress in Formula 1 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix as Williams promoted the Argentinian to replace Logan Sargeant.

He has been impressive over his brief stint by keeping pace with teammate Alex Albon and by scoring points in Azerbaijan plus the United States Grand Prix.

Colapinto didn’t have a spectacular season in Formula 2 before being promoted. Still, he did show moments of quality, winning the Sprint Race at Imola with a last-lap pass on Paul Aron.

The Argentinian also impressed in an FP1 outing ahead of the British Grand Prix, showing he can adapt quickly but he’s yet to secure a drive for next season.

Colapinto will also have to look beyond Williams as they are committed to Carlos Sainz and Albon for 2025 in a formidable line-up.

He has been linked to the main Red Bull team, partnering with Max Verstappen in place of Sergio Perez. The 21-year-old could also be an option to drive for Visa Cash App RB and Colapinto has been linked with Alpine, as well.

But former Formula 1 driver Norberto Fontana warned Colapinto why it would be a risk to join Red Bull in 2025 when speaking to the Campeones TV YouTube channel.

Norberto Fontana warned Franco Colapinto that Red Bull is risky because he would battle against Max Verstappen

Colapinto has impressed in Formula 1 with his decisive overtakes in the midfield and race pace which led him to points-scoring finishes already.

The Argentinian hasn’t been entirely faultless and endured a difficult weekend in Brazil, crashing in qualifying and the Grand Prix.

He has been incredibly popular and Colapinto could help the Argentine Grand Prix return to the calendar in the future.

Despite his good form, competing against Verstappen at the front of the field would put a lot of pressure on the 21-year-old’s shoulders.

READ MORE: F1 2025 driver line-up with every team’s confirmed entry for the grid

The three-time world champion has dominated Perez, as well as Colapinto’s teammate Albon who hasn’t raced at the front since getting dropped by Red Bull after the 2020 season.

Fontana explained that Colapinto may be better off racing for Williams or RB without the added pressure of competing for victories and podiums consistently.

The ex-Sauber driver said: “I want him to be in Formula 1. Probably, if I have to give him some advice [or] an opinion more than anything because one can get involved, but I would bet that he follows a team like Williams or RB if he has a chance.

“Red Bull is a risk for me. It sounds like a lot to me because it seems that he still has to go through stages and he is going to face someone that is the best in the world today. You have to try to support him and make sure it is the best for him.”

Franco Colapinto has three races left to impress this season at very difficult venues

Colapinto has shown he can bounce back from mistakes after he scored points in Azerbaijan despite hitting the wall in practice.

He has three Grand Prix left this year, all at circuits he hasn’t raced on yet. A tripleheader is on the horizon, which could make life even more complicated.

Colapinto will have to learn the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, which has its unique challenges of being very cold with the Las Vegas Grand Prix a night race, providing difficulties in optimising the Pirelli tyres.

The final two events are more conventional venues in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which may be easier to learn for the Argentinian.