Franco Colapinto’s manager got ‘angry’ after what he said about Williams merchandise

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Franco Colapinto has rapidly become one of the most popular drivers on the Formula 1 grid. The combination of immense pace on track and charisma off it makes him a highly marketable athlete.

Colapinto only joined the Formula 1 grid at the end of August after Logan Sargeant lost his Williams seat. James Vowles ultimately decided to promote from within, looking to the outstanding talent in his academy.

Expectations were limited. While Colapinto was performing well in Formula 2 – he ranked sixth in the championship before his F1 move – he wasn’t necessarily seen as one of the best emerging talents.

Very few expected him to challenge Alex Albon, but he’s instantly put the Thai driver under pressure. Though he trails their qualifying head-to-head 5-1, he’s far closer than predecessor Sargeant.

Colapinto has already scored five points – just under 30% of Williams’ total for the season. Albon has managed eight in the same period.

Will Buxton says Colapinto’s support was ‘astounding’ in Sao Paulo last time out. It was by far the closest race to his homeland Argentina, and legions of his fellow countrymen flocked to the circuit.

Franco Colapinto receives a ‘scolding’ for telling fans to buy fake Williams merchandise

One reason fans have embraced Colapinto so quickly is his authenticity. In a sport where so many drivers stick to the media script, they feel he shows his true personality.

At times, of course, this can be to his own detriment. Speaking to Corazon de F1 last month, he joked that ‘not even Cristiano Ronaldo can afford’ the merchandise prices set by Williams.

To avoid ‘eating rice for two months’, they should ‘buy the fake stuff’. Realising this was ill-judged, Colapinto said ‘Williams are going to kill me’.

In an interview with Carburando, his manager Maria Catarineu admitted that she had to ‘scold’ him for these remarks. It wasn’t an effective rebuke, because Colapinto knew she agreed with the sentiment.

“There, I have to say, yes I got a little angry,” she said. “I scold him, but he’s not very convinced that I am scolding him because he says I share it and I understand the reason why he says it.”

What Red Bull could ask Franco Colapinto’s sponsors to do ahead of potential 2025 move

Colapinto won’t race for Williams next year because they’ve already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Albon. While he could stay put as a reserve driver, he’s trying to find a seat elsewhere.

After Sauber signed Gabriel Bortoleto, the last realistic option is Red Bull junior team RB. Christian Horner has publicly praised Colapinto, but in addition to his talent, he also brings commercial appeal.

The 21-year-old has heavy backing from his homeland, which was evident in Mexico and Brazil as Williams ran a special livery in partnership with Mercado Libre. Red Bull could ask Colapinto’s sponsors to contribute to his release fee.

A move to RB could be his long-term path to a top seat, whether in 2026 or later. Having already shown his resilience, Colapinto has one ‘essential’ attribute to partner Max Verstappen in the eyes of Red Bull.