Franco Colapinto is convinced that Carlos Sainz will help push Williams up the pecking order in Formula 1 once the outgoing Ferrari driver arrives at the team in 2025.
Williams secured a huge coup during the summer break when it was announced that Sainz turned down interest elsewhere to pen a multi-term contract with Williams.
Sainz will partner with incumbent Alex Albon, who possesses a long-term deal, in a line-up which Williams boss James Vowles considers will be the “best on the grid”.
The Spaniard will take over the place that Colapinto occupies, with the Argentine having been parachuted into a Williams drive mid-season to replace Logan Sargeant.
Colapinto embarked on his debut at the Italian Grand Prix last month, a moment which he described as making all the sacrifices through his racing career worthwhile.
“The truth is that it was a moment for me,” Colapinto told DAZN. “It’s what I’ve been working for many years since I started karting and it’s my dream.
It was a little bit what motivated me to race cars and move to Europe when I was still very young at the age of 14.
“I made many sacrifices and lived through many complicated moments that made me consider returning to Argentina and leaving Europe.
“But I think that in the end the magic is in having overcome those moments and having had the calm, the ability and a group of people around who accompanied me.”
Colapinto admits Williams took a ‘gamble’
Colapinto has vindicated Williams’ decision as he delivered points on his second outing in Baku to help the side move up to eighth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“The truth is that the opportunity and the trust that James [Vowles, Williams Team Principal] put in putting me in that seat is something I admire a lot,” Colapinto said.
“He took a gamble, really. It’s very difficult to change drivers in the middle of the season.
“All I want to prove is that he made the right choice. In Monza everyone was very happy, it was a very positive race.”
But while Sainz’s impending move will prevent him from retaining the seat, Colapinto has accepted that the three-time F1 race victor will prove to be a strong addition.
Colapinto ‘admires’ Sainz as a driver
“Carlos is a very good driver, I admire him a lot and his father too,” Colapinto expressed.
“They are a family with good genes because they are all very good at what they do. Carlos is a great driver and he got to where he is with a lot of effort.
“It was also very difficult for him. He is representing his country very well.
“He is going to have a very positive year with Alex I think.
“They are two great drivers at Williams and they are going to take the team forward so I hope he does very well.”
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