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Franco Colapinto Becomes a Fan Favorite at the Italian Grand Prix
Franco Colapinto made headlines recently by becoming the first Argentinian in 23 years to race in Formula 1. His debut at the Italian Grand Prix was highly anticipated, and he didn’t disappoint. Driving for Williams, Franco started the race from 18th position on the grid, a challenging spot for any driver, let alone a rookie making his first appearance in the pinnacle of motorsport. Despite the odds, Franco managed to work his way up the field, finishing in an impressive 12th place.
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The Italian Grand Prix wasn’t just about what happened on the track for Franco, though. Before the race, he became a viral sensation for his playful exchanges with journalists. The first of these moments occurred during an interview with journalist Christine GZ. Franco kicked things off by saying, “Thanks for interviewing me! I really wanted you to interview me! I was told that you are very funny, very entertaining, so I wanted to have a few laughs here.”
Christine, clearly charmed by the young driver’s enthusiasm, responded, “Thank you. The truth is that I have seen many interviews of yours and I have said I am going to like this guy…” Franco, caught a little off guard but keeping his cool, quipped back, “Oh no… what interview have you seen, please?”
Colapinto hizo su primera entrevista en la formula 1 y ya se encaro a la periodista kjj
Tenes que cerrar el autódromo pic.twitter.com/m1IAtDPA6w
— ElBuni (@therealbuni) August 29, 2024
But Franco didn’t stop there. Shortly after, during another interview with Brazilian sports journalist Mariana Gertum Becker, he couldn’t resist another playful comment. The interview began simply enough, with Mariana introducing herself in Spanish: “Hi Franco, I’m Mariana, from Brazilian TV Band.”
Franco, with a mischievous smile, replied, “You speak Spanish very well.” The journalist quickly thanked him for the compliment, but Franco, not missing a beat, added with a flirtatious grin, “Me, Portuguese, zero.”
Who Is Franco Colapinto?
Franco Colapinto was born on May 27th, 2003, in Pilar, a small city in Argentina. His journey in motorsports began early, thanks to his father, who gave him an ATV when he was just four years old. This sparked a passion for racing that only grew stronger over time. By the age of 10, Franco had moved on to karting, where he quickly made a name for himself in both national and international competitions.
His success in karting led to opportunities in higher categories, and by 2018, Franco was already racing in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship, where he won his first race and began building a reputation as a future star. As he progressed through the ranks, Franco’s talent became increasingly evident. He competed in various series, including the Toyota Racing Series, Formula Renault Eurocup, and the European Le Mans Series, consistently achieving impressive results.
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Bizarrap played a crucial role in Colapinto’s success
Colapinto’s path to Formula 1 took a dramatic turn after the 2023 Formula 3 season when his future in the sport looked uncertain due to a lack of financial support. It was at this critical moment when Argentine music producer Bizarrap stepped in to help. Despite having no prior connection to the racing world, Bizarrap heard about Franco’s situation and decided to get involved. He reached out to potential sponsors, and his efforts led to the backing of companies like Globant and Mercado Libre, which were crucial in securing Franco’s entry into the Williams team for the 2024 season.
Grateful for the support that saved his career, Franco has often expressed his appreciation for Bizarrap’s role in his journey. “Thanks to him, I am here. He is number one in music, and I want to be number one in racing,” Franco said. After finishing 12th in his debut at the Italian Grand Prix, Franco gifted a helmet to Bizarrap, signed with the message, “Thank you for all your effort and blind support.”
Argentina returns to the Grand Prix after 23 years
Franco’s promotion to the Williams team came after Logan Sargeant departed, a decision influenced by a series of poor performances and a costly crash during free practice in the Netherlands. There was much speculation about who would replace Sargeant, with names like Mick Schumacher and Liam Lawson being thrown around, but ultimately, it was Franco who got the call.
His aggressive driving style and consistent performances had caught the eye of Williams and by the time he got to Formula 2, he was already well-known for his ability to punch above his weight, securing wins and podiums in a highly competitive field.
His first taste of Formula 1 came in 2023 when he participated in a post-season test for Williams, becoming the first Argentine to drive an F1 car since 2001. It was a historic moment and one that paved the way for his eventual promotion to a full-time seat in the series.
As Franco continues through the rest of the 2024 season, there’s a sense of excitement about what he might achieve. His debut in Italy showed that he can handle the pressure and compete with more experienced drivers. And while his performances on the track are what will ultimately define his career, his charm and playful interactions with the media have already made him a fan favorite.
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