When Franco Colapinto stepped in to replace Logan Sargeant starting with the Italian Grand Prix in September, a lot of people weren't sure if it was the right call.

Many fans have suggested that Williams should have chosen Mick Schumacher instead but the Argentine driver didn’t waste any time in proving them all wrong. 

In his F1 debut race in Monza, he immediately turned heads by recovering from a tough qualifying session to finish in laudable twelfth place.

At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his only second race in the premier class, Colapinto secured his first points by finishing eighth after out-qualifying teammate Alex Albon—something his predecessor never managed to accomplish.

In Singapore, he just closely missed out on points, crossing the line in eleventh place at a circuit he had never raced at before.

It was Colapinto’s first time racing at the Circuit of the Americas last weekend as well, but he once again delivered an impressive performance, climbing from 15th on the grid to finish 10th and secure a point.

However, with Williams pairing Albon with Carlos Sainz next year, there won’t be a full-time spot for Colapinto. Nevertheless, team principal James Vowles hopes to see him on the track in 2025, with open seats still available at Sauber and RB.

When asked at an Autosport Business panel event in Austin if Colapinto could be racing in Formula 1 next year, Vowles replied: “It's definitely not out of the question.

“It's more down to one or two other teams, not giving it away too much but, from my perspective, he absolutely has earned his place on the grid within a few races.

“He hasn't finished growing, he's going to get quicker and quicker, and I think other teams know that on the grid.

“So even if he's taking points away from us, he's a professional racing driver and should be racing in Formula 1. Simple as that.”

Colapinto acknowledges that getting a seat in F1 next year will be pretty challenging, but at this point, his main focus is to keep delivering strong results for Williams until the end of the season.

“I am giving my best to try to show what I am capable of, and that I deserve a seat in Formula 1," he stated.

“But of course, from the seat point of view–I think it is looking very tough for next year.

“[But] I am not thinking about 2025, not really. I am fully focused on this year.”