'It was my biggest mistake'- Franco Colapinto regrets one big race crash in F1 2024

What could have been the greatest rookie season turned into a disaster for Franco Colapinto in 2024. After debuting for the Williams racing team replacing Logan Sargeant, the Argentinean driver proved his worth by scoring 5 points this season. Seeing the talent many teams showed interest in signing the Latin American driver that includes Red Bull racing. But everyone took a back step when they saw his crashes on several occasions. The first big crash of Colapinto happened during the Brazilian Grand Prix where he was racing in a water-logged Interlagos circuit.

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Big crashes Big Impact on career

He first crashed in Qualifying followed by his teammate Alex Albon. William's mechanics worked very hard to get his car repaired and he was the only driver who went for racing from his team. But he again shocked everyone by crashing massively on the main straights leaving it in ruins. 

Franco again crashed his car in the Las Vegas Grand Prix when doing the qualifying session. He misjudged and made an error while doing the S turn in turn 16 and slammed his front wheel and due to that his car was thrown to the other side of the track where he took 50G’s of impact.

Again in the Qatar Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg’s wheel got locked on the opening lap at the first corner and collided with Esteban Ocon who then crashed into Franco Colapinto causing retirement. In the final race, Oscar Piastri crashed his car into Franco’s rear damaged it heavily and made him retire. Everyone considered Franco a talent like Senna and in just a few races he was the biggest Argentinean star on the world stage next to Legendary Leonel Messi. But now he is out of the driver's seat as Williams signed Carlos Sainz earlier this year for the 2025 season.

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The teams that were previously interested in Franco, Red Bull and Alpine confirmed their drivers which is even more frustrating for Colapinto. Now the Latin American spoke about the moments when he crashed his car. He was asked what moment he would like to change this year if he got a chance, Colapinto said “I think especially Vegas qualifying. I think Brazil because it was my first time on the wets. It was a big crash. I see it as a little bit less a disaster. 

Well, it was a disaster but like in my head, Vegas was so much bigger thing. I still was going for it and trying to put the car in but it feels like a much bigger mistake than one in Brazil.” Red Bull and Alpine’s interest in Colapinto faded after those crashes. With no seat in 2025, Franco Colapinto should wait till Cadillac arrives. The American brand could be a big opportunity for both Sergio and Franco and they will make a nice pair who are desperate to prove themselves before the whole world.

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