Will Buxton names the F1 driver who ‘didn’t expect’ to be ‘that good’ in 2024

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There are multiple generations of drivers battling in Formula 1 this season which creates a dynamic grid with varying levels of experience.

The grid is made up of drivers over 40 years old, such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, alongside drivers in their early 20s, including Oscar Piastri.

Both generations have been competitive, with Hamilton taking victory at the British Grand Prix and a less emotional win shortly after in Belgium.

McLaren’s youthful line-up of Lando Norris and Piastri have also spearheaded the team’s Constructor’s Championship charge.

But Will Buxton told the RACER YouTube channel that there is one driver on the Formula 1 grid who has exceeded his own expectations this year.

Will Buxton explained Franco Colapinto ‘didn’t expect’ to be ‘that good’ in F1

Franco Colapinto has been very impressive alongside Alex Albon at Williams since making his debut at the Italian Grand Prix.

The 21-year-old could lead the Argentine Grand Prix back to the calendar if Colapinto remains on the Formula 1 grid.

He has put in some very good performances and scored points in Azerbaijan and at the United States Grand Prix.

Colapinto has some areas to develop, such as confidence in the rain after he crashed at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This is very difficult to replicate in a simulator and can be tricky for rookies with limited seat time.

Buxton explained Colapinto had surpassed even his own expectations, and there are other talented rookies such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman coming in 2025.

He said: “We never expected it. We all knew Antonelli was coming, right? Because that’s been clear. Toto believes he’s a Max Verstappen-type talent.

“So we knew that Antonelli was being fast-tracked. But to see the job that Bearman did when he stood in on both occasions for Ferrari and Haas this year, knockout.

“You see what Colapinto is doing. No one. I don’t think I don’t think [James] Vowles expected Colapinto to be that good. I don’t think Franco expected Franco to be that good. Against all expectations, he has announced himself as somebody who cannot be ignored for the future.”

Franco Colapinto has three races left to impress this season

Colapinto has driven well and developed his confidence on a range of circuits that are new to him while learning a new car.

The Argentine will have to learn three more new tracks, kicking off with the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in notoriously cold conditions.

He has very few options for 2025, and Colapinto will have to look outside of Williams for a seat a they are committed to Albon and Carlos Sainz.

If he keeps up his good form, it will help his cause in retaining a spot on the Formula 1 grid for next season.