Williams stand-in Franco Colapinto responds to Audi seat rumours after eye-catching Baku performance

Franco Colapinto has made clear that he is fully focused on continuing to perform for Williams over the final seven rounds of the campaign amid speculation linking the F1 newcomer to a seat at Kick Sauber in 2025.

Colapinto earned plenty of plaudits at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the F2 graduate reached Q3 and scored points in only his second appearance for the Grove-based outfit since replacing Logan Sargeant mid-season.

Not only did the result mark Williams’s first double points finish since last year’s United States Grand Prix, but it also saw Colapinto become the first Argentine driver to score since Carlos Reutemann back in 1982.

Colapinto’s display prompted plenty of fans to argue that he deserves a full-time spot on next year’s grid, with Williams having already signed outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon, but only Sauber and RB have seats available.

Asked if there are people working to find him another drive, potentially at the future Audi factory team, and talk of Argentinian football stars Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero being in his corner, Colapinto said: “Of course, it’s great that they are speaking about these things.

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Franco Colapinto of Argentina driving the (43) Williams FW46 — Colapinto battled his way to an eighth-place finish on the streets of Baku

“I have no idea about anything. I’m with Williams and James [Vowles] gave me an amazing opportunity, and I’m very, very proud of what we are achieving together only in my second race.

“I have no idea what’s going to happen in 2025, but it’s not something that is in my head right now. That’s why I have managers that are working towards what I have to do next season.

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“I’m not really thinking about a lot of things. My focus is on this year and the amazing opportunity I got to race in F1 in the middle of the season.”

Pushed on whether he feels other doors could open in the near future, the 21-year-old continued: “My goal was to come in F1 and try to stay. The opportunity I got from Williams is very special and it’s been a dream I’ve had since I was very little.

“I’m enjoying every moment of it and I think that’s the most important part. I don’t know how long it’s going to last, if I’m going to be here next year or not… I don’t really care and I’m not thinking about those things.”

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Franco Colapinto of Argentina and Williams hugs James Vowles, Team — Williams team boss James Vowles is particularly proud of Colapinto’s efforts so far

Regardless of what happens over the coming months, Colapinto expressed pride at how quickly he’s settled in at Williams – and the role he has played in helping them move from P9 to P8 in the constructors’ championship.

“It is, of course very exciting, that we are having good results with Williams,” he said. “The team is doing a great job, the car is improving session after session. I’m feeling a bit more suited to the car and I just feel great.

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“The team are helping me to do that, the learning process is much quicker, and I think we are going in the right direction. It’s just a start, but we are doing very well, and we are scoring great points for the team, more than double the points that they scored this season in just one weekend.

“It’s been great so far and I can’t wait to keep working with this amazing team. Of course, I’m very proud and grateful for the opportunity I got.”