Jolyon Palmer highlights most ‘impressive’ thing Franco Colapinto did in Singapore Grand Prix

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Franco Colapinto has impressed ever since he replaced Logan Sargeant, having outscored the American’s career total in two races at Williams.

The Argentine received praise after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for his efforts to get into the points, following a late overtaking move on Nico Hulkenberg.

Franco Colapinto would later earn praise from Damon Hill for his start during the Singapore GP when he overtook three cars from P13 on the grid heading into the first corner.

The Williams driver managed to overtake Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and spent most of the first stint ahead, as the Mexican lauded his defensive abilities midway through the race by quipping “He’s very good, difficult to pass” over team radio.

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer felt his defence was ‘impressive’ writing in his regular post-race column for F1.com, and explained how he could have finished ahead of Perez.

Jolyon Palmer explains Franco Colapinto mistake that led to Sergio Perez overtake

Colapinto criticised Williams for their strategy in Singapore after dropping behind Sergio Perez and finishing 1.6s off the Red Bull at the finish line.

Feeling he clearly had the pace, the Argentine said the team should have anticipated the undercut strategy. Palmer highlighted that while Red Bull had a superior pit stop, Colapinto made an error that cost him time.

“The fact he was actually dropping Perez before his pit stop speaks volumes as well of his race pace,” said Palmer.

“The only thing that let him down was the Mexican’s undercut, which came partly by Red Bull having a superior pit stop to Williams, but also partly by a small mistake on Colapinto’s in lap which cost him some critical time, so clearly there are still some details for the Argentine to learn.”

Despite missing out on another points finish, Colapinto earned further praise from Palmer for his heroics in the last three races.

“But overall I can’t stress how impressive this three-race start has been for a driver nobody expected to be in Formula 1 at all this year. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone surprise me with the level of their early performances as much as Colapinto has and logic says it must be securing his future in the sport,” said Palmer.

Sauber set for driver announcement that could be bad news for Colapinto

Colapinto has impressed enough at Williams that he was reportedly linked to a seat with Sauber, however it emerged that the Argentine does not have the budget to fund a driver for next year.

Sauber is expected to confirm Valtteri Bottas on a single-year contract for 2025 with Gabriel Bortoleto rumoured to get the drive for 2026.

READ MORE: Who is Williams Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto? Age, nationality, stats and more

Colapinto is expected to take up a reserve role within Williams from next season, with the view of seeing what the driver market looks like in 2026.

Williams will retain Alex Albon alongside Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season and beyond, in what many view could be a strong enough lineup to enable them to finish higher up the field.