Peter Windsor finds it ‘heartbreaking’ to see former wonderkid watching F1 races from the garage

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Franco Colapinto will graduate from Formula 2 to Formula 1 when he steps into the Williams for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Colapinto will replace Logan Sargeant after James Vowles ran out of patience.

The Argentine has unexpectedly leapfrogged Oliver Bearman, Kimi Antonelli and Jack Doohan in the queue of rookies. Liam Lawson and Mick Schumacher seemed to be the two drivers in the running to take over from Sargeant, but there were obstacles in the way of both moves.

Bearman, one of Colapinto’s F2 rivals, made his debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian GP in March. He’s now secured a full-time seat with Haas next year.

His Prema teammate Kimi Antonelli is set for a far bigger gig at Mercedes as he replaces Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli is driving in FP1 this weekend, and Toto Wolff could confirm his deal beforehand.

Finally, Alpine announced at Zandvoort last weekend that Jack Doohan would partner Pierre Gasly. After impressing in F2, Doohan has carried out the reserve role for the team this year.

There were no changes to the F1 grid over the winter for the first time in the sport’s history. But now a series of youngsters will get their chance.

Peter Windsor says it’s ‘ridiculous’ that Felipe Drugovich is on the sidelines at Aston Martin

One of those who could miss out is Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian is currently the third driver for Aston Martin, who have tied Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso down to new contracts.

Drugovich established himself as one of motorsport’s wonderkids by winning three single-seater titles in 2017 and 2018. He then romped to F2 glory in 2022 by nearly 100 points, outclassing a field that also included Lawson, Sargeant and Doohan.

However, 2025 could be the third straight year that he’s overlooked by Formula 1 teams. The 24-year-old has been combining his Aston duties with the European Le Mans Series.

Speaking on the Cameron F1 YouTube channel, Peter Windsor said it was a travesty that Drugovich was watching races from the garage. It’s apparently ‘ridiculous’ that he can’t get an F1 seat.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see a guy like Drugovich in the Aston Martin garage with a headset on. It’s completely ridiculous.”

Felipe Drugovich is a contender to partner Nico Hulkenberg at Audi in 2025

With Mercedes about to announce Antonelli and the Red Bull junior team closed off, Audi represent the only remaining option for Drugovich and a host of other juniors. New boss Mattia Binotto has held talks with Valtteri Bottas and could hand him an extension, but he’s considering alternatives too.

Given that the vastly experienced Nico Hulkenberg has already signed, Binotto can arguably afford to take a risk on his second driver. Drugovich could escape his Aston Martin contract if they made him an offer.

He had hoped to receive a call from Williams this week. In addition to his obvious talent, Drugovich brings financial backing to any interested party.

He’s the latest GP2/F2 champion who’s been denied the chance to take the final step after Davide Valsecchi (2012), Fabio Leimer (2013) and Theo Pourchaire (2023), This is a situation that F1 bosses may look to rectify in the coming years.