Hamilton: Colapinto definitely deserves to be on the grid

Lewis Hamilton has given young Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto some advice on how to progress his Formula 1 career.

Franco Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams in the middle of the 2024 season , collected 5 points in the 6 races he participated. 

The Argentine driver has been widely praised for his performances, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton among those to have paid tribute.

“I think he deserves to be here,” Hamilton said of Colapinto.

“When we have the chance to enter this sport, we usually go through a preparation period. Kimi Antonelli, for example, has quite a few test days.”

“But Colapinto didn’t have that luxury. He just sat in the car and did a fantastic job. He really shined in his first race.”

“There is still an open seat. Even though he says it’s not his decision, I think he should make it that way.” 

Red Bull are yet to finalise their driver line-up for the 2025 season, with Colapinto seen as a potential candidate should the Milton Keynes outfit part ways with Sergio Perez .

If this happens, it is thought that Max Verstappen’s teammate will be Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate will be Liam Lawson .

Hamilton gave Colapinto the following advice on the subject: “I would definitely push myself to make sure I did everything…”

“But at the end of the day, Colapinto needs to focus on his work, just like he does every weekend.” 

“Hopefully he has a good team behind him and they do a good job to make sure he continues to race next year.”