Nelson Piquet Jr tells Franco Colapinto why he should turn down Red Bull to join rival team next season

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Franco Colapinto’s run of races in the Williams has arguably put him in contention for a seat on the 2025 grid, having impressed with his racecraft and brought significant interest to a key market in F1.

In just two races he drew attention when he outscored Logan Sargeant’s career total with an assured drive to points in Azerbaijan, while further points in the US GP after Colapinto used an improvised strategy reaffirmed him as one of the future talents that could shine if given the right opportunity.

Colapinto’s popularity was clear to see at the recent Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where fans from Argentina filled the grandstands to watch their home hero.

There has been a suggestion that Colapinto could end up being considered by Red Bull as a replacement to Sergio Perez, given billionaire Mexican businessman Carlos Slim has already backed the Argentine through his Claro telecommunications brand.

Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr believes the Argentine should consider a move to a rival team instead of Red Bull when discussing any potential move on the Pelas Pistas podcast.

Franco Colapinto should consider move to RB instead of Red Bull

Red Bull is likely considering their options on whether to continue with Sergio Perez after a disappointing season, which has seen them slip behind Ferrari and McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.

Liam Lawson is considered to be in the running for the seat alongside Max Verstappen, but Colapinto has also entered the frame given his commercial benefits.

Piquet has explained why he thinks the Argentine would be more suited at the junior team Visa Cash App RB, given he will be pitting himself against Max Verstappen.

“If I were him and there were two doors: one Red Bull and one Visa CashApp RB, I’d go for Visa Cashapp,” said Piquet.

“Let’s assume Lawson goes to Red Bull, if they bring in Colapinto and he starts to equal Tsunoda, it goes to show that he is a good driver. He may not go on to Red Bull, but everyone, Mercedes, Ferrari etc… will be keeping an eye on Colapinto.”

Four F1 teams making offers for Franco Colapinto

Colapinto has made good use of his opportunity at Williams to put himself effectively in the shop window amid what has been a very active driver market this season.

James Vowles has already determined his driver lineup at Williams will be Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon next year, which leaves Colapinto in a dilemma as he is not guaranteed a race seat until at least 2027 with the team.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats

Journalist Joe Saward believes Colapinto has been offered a seat from at least four teams on the grid, with Williams also recognising that it could make a lot of money from the 21-year-old.

It could help them pay for the millions of pounds worth of damage inflicted during the Sao Paulo GP weekend for Williams, after three huge crashes between Albon and Colapinto on Sunday.