Will Buxton ‘astounded’ by what 18th-place driver did when F1 cameras were off at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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The Sao Paulo Grand Prix fans don’t have a driver of their own to cheer on this weekend. In fact, there hasn’t been a Brazilian representative on the Formula 1 grid since Felipe Massa retired in 2017.

Massa never won a world championship, though he came agonisingly close to snatching the title on home soil in 2008 before Lewis Hamilton’s unforgettable last-corner pass on Timo Glock. He was still a successful driver, racking up 11 Grand Prix victories.

He followed legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet, who won eight world championships between them, in racing under the Brazilian flag. The race in Interlagos is one of the most popular on the calendar but the spectacle could be enhanced by a new home hero.

Felipe Drugovich won the Formula 2 championship in 2022, but while he appeared for Aston Martin in Mexico City Grand Prix practice, he looks unlikely to reach F1. McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto is competing for the F2 title this year and hopes to secure an Audi seat for 2025.

In the meantime, the crowd have found other drivers to rally behind. Lewis Hamilton will drive Ayrton Senna’s McLaren at this weekend’s race after being adopted as an honorary Brazilian citizen.

On the other hand, the fans could boo Sergio Perez if he produces another performance like he did in Mexico, where he finished 17th. If he shows fighting spirit, he could receive encouragement.

Will Buxton in awe of Franco Colapinto’ ‘ocean’ of fans at Brazilian Grand Prix

The only South American driver on the F1 grid as it stands is Franco Colapinto. The 21-year-old replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams ahead of the Italian GP a couple of months ago.

He’s been a revelation since, scoring five points to climb to 18th in the championship. Alex Albon has immediately come under pressure.

This is by far the closest F1 race to Argentina, and while there’s traditionally a sporting rivalry between the two countries, Colapinto seems to be univerally liked. Many of his fellow countrymen have flocked to the circuit.

Autosport shared a video on X showing a feverish reception from the youngster in the pit lane. In response, F1TV presenter Will Buxton remarked that he’d attracted an ‘ocean’ of fans, compared to only a handful for other teams and drivers.

“We’d just finished filming Weekend Warmup when pitlane walk started last night,” Buxton said. “Maybe 10 people outside each of the top four teams but an ocean of fans outside Williams. The support for this young man and the passion he has ignited is absolutely astounding.”

Lewis Hamilton sends advice to ‘incredible’ Franco Colapinto amid Red Bull chance

With each passing race, F1’s commercial rights holders will be even more determined to see Colapinto on the grid next year. He’s clearly a hugely marketable athlete who can drive a surge of interest in Latin America.

Speaking in Mexico, Colapinto strongly hinted he wouldn’t have a seat for 2025. Williams have already filled both of theirs with Albon and new signing Carlos Sainz.

Red Bull have offered Williams £15m for Colapinto, proposing to buy him out of his contract. James Vowles may fight to retain control of his academy graduate and instead send him out on loan.

On Thursday, Hamilton advised Colapinto to do everything he could to secure a drive. Sitting next to him in the press conference, he hailed his ‘incredible’ performances in recent weeks.