Franco Colapinto, the young Alpine-backed racing driver, has candidly discussed the difficulties he has faced since entering Formula 1, coinciding with Argentina’s growing enthusiasm toward returning to the sport. At 21 years old, Colapinto stepped into Formula 1 in early 2025, replacing Jack Doohan, but admits the transition to the pinnacle of motorsport has been demanding for him personally and for his home country’s ambitions.

Efforts Underway to Revive Motorsport in Buenos Aires

Argentina is actively working to reestablish itself in international racing, focusing first on MotoGP’s return to Buenos Aires by 2027. This initiative involves a comprehensive renovation of the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez circuit, overseen by renowned track designer Hermann Tilke. The project aims not only to modernize the venue but to eventually reopen the door for Formula 1 races in the country.

Colapinto praised the prospect of MotoGP’s comeback, stating,

“I think it’s great to have MotoGP back in Buenos Aires. It’s a country full of very passionate fans,”

he said. However, he pointed out that adapting the track for Formula 1 would be more complicated, given that the current planned changes favor motorcycle racing over F1 cars. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for the future:

“It would be amazing for the fans and for F1 to see what they can actually achieve there. Of course, it’s one of my dreams, but it still looks a little far away.”

The Stark Realities of Competing at Formula 1’s Highest Level

While Colapinto remains hopeful for Argentina Formula 1 return prospects, he highlighted the steep learning curve faced by newcomers in Formula 1. He noted that although Formula 2 offers strong competition, it falls short in preparing drivers for the intense demands of F1.

“Suddenly you’ve got 30 engineers in a room compared to two or three in Formula 2 – and that’s a pretty big shock,”

he explained, emphasizing the vast increase in team complexity and expectations.

Colapinto also reflected on the pressure involved in delivering results for a large team, stating,

“You’re putting in a big effort trying to go quick to score points for 1,000-plus people that are in a factory building the quickest car for two guys. It’s a big job.”

He credits experienced teammates like Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso for providing valuable guidance during this challenging phase of his career.

Mentorship from Experienced Drivers Shapes Rookie Growth

Fernando Alonso, a seasoned Formula 1 driver known for mentoring rising talents such as Gabriel Bortoleto, offered insights into coping with the high-pressure environment for rookies. He stressed the importance of consistency and resilience, explaining that competitors must be prepared to perform their best each day and manage criticism constructively. Alonso noted the dominance of a single driver in recent years, adding that managing frustration is crucial in this competitive sport.

Colapinto supported Alonso’s views, acknowledging the difficulty of securing a Formula 1 seat:

“There are only twenty places, and it’s always going to be tricky how you get here. It’s a lot of effort, a lot of sacrifice. It’s the sport we all love, and we are very lucky to be able to do it.”

Looking Ahead: What Argentina’s Motorsport Future Could Hold

Though the return of Formula 1 to Argentina remains uncertain and faces infrastructural hurdles, the country’s passion for motorsport and significant investment in track improvements suggest promising possibilities. Colapinto’s experience underscores the demanding nature of F1, both on drivers and on those aiming to host races again. Success in these endeavors could reignite Argentina’s presence on the global motorsport map, inspiring new generations and expanding support for this revered competition.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?

A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. When permanent numbers were introduced in 2014, Pastor Maldonado selected #13. While some cultures view 13 as unlucky, Formula 1 lets drivers decide their numbers.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have significantly influenced his personal life and racing career. His journey shows that achieving greatness in F1 goes beyond traditional definitions, highlighting the importance of acknowledging learning differences.

Q. Is the number 13 banned in F1?

A. Selecting a number: Every F1 driver can pick a permanent number from 2 to 99, except for 17, to use during their career.