Max Verstappen has indicated Williams could have avoided the headache that it is experiencing with Franco Colapinto had it given him a chance in Formula 1 sooner.
Colapinto has impressed since replacing Logan Sargeant in August, securing two points finishes in the six appearances that he has made since the Italian Grand Prix.
But Colapinto’s swift adaption to F1 will not land him a permanent drive with Williams as the team will welcome Carlos Sainz to partner incumbent Alex Albon in 2025.
However, the Argentine’s outings have managed to catch Red Bull’s attention and made him a potential option to slot in at either one of the Austrian outfit’s two sides.
Red Bull has all but admitted its interest in acquiring Colapinto’s services, while Williams boss James Vowles has revealed that conversations are ongoing over a deal.
Verstappen, who could become team-mates with Colapinto should a move materialise, believes the situation shows that teams should have more trust in new drivers.
Asked what advice he would lend to Colapinto, Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17, diverted his answer to hone in on how Williams could’ve avoided losing him.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s complicated to answer that because he’s still contracted to Williams,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week in Brazil.
“And of course, he’s doing a great job. I think also Williams is probably scratching their heads a bit about what to do with Franco.
“But for me personally, it just shows that I think teams in general just need to be more open to put young talents in and trust them.
“Because now you have this kind of situation where he’s a Williams junior and potentially has to leave or try to find luck elsewhere, right?
“While, they could have put him in the car. So, yeah, it’s complicated.
“I mean, whatever he decides or his management decides to do, I mean, does he deserve a spot on the grid? I think with what he has shown so far, yes.
“But, yeah, it’s not easy to find a spot at the moment.”
Colapinto would expect Williams release
Meanwhile, Colapinto has expressed that he would expect Williams to release him should a concrete proposal to continue racing in F1 next season become available.
“I think if Williams cannot give me a race seat, I think the normal thing is that they allow me to go somewhere else and that they find the best opportunity for me for the future,” he said.
“But I’m not the right person to be asked. I should be the last one, you know.
“I thought I was not going to be racing in F1 next year, and that’s still my first view, so I don’t get too excited about whatever they’re talking around. But yeah, let’s see.”
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