Franco Colapinto has already made a remarkable journey through the ranks of motorsport. His driving skill, fierce determination, and adaptability across various racing disciplines have helped him climb his way up through all categories, even taking on challenges like Le Mans. Colapinto’s career trajectory is an exciting one, so let’s take a closer look.

Karting

Like many other racers, Franco Colapinto’s love for motorsport began in karting. When he first got behind the wheel at eight years old, his natural talent was clear. His early years in karting were spent competing in both national and international championships, where he quickly rose through the ranks.

Colapinto participated in series like the South American Karting Championship and the CIK-FIA European Championship, racing against some of the best young talents. These formative years were crucial in shaping his racecraft, decision-making, and ability to read and respond to changing track conditions. His strong performances and frequent podium finishes showed that he was destined for bigger things.

Formula 4

Colapinto made his car racing debut in 2018, participating in the final round of the F4 Spanish Championship, driving for Drivex School. His full season in the championship came in 2019, when he signed with FA Racing by Drivex. Colapinto delivered a standout performance, winning the championship title in his first full year. By the season's end, he had secured 11 victories, 13 podiums, and 14 pole positions, including winning all three races in the season finale.

Formula Renault

In 2019, Colapinto took his first big step up by transitioning to the Formula Renault Eurocup with MP Motorsport. Despite being a rookie, he wasted no time proving he belonged at this level. Colapinto secured multiple podium finishes and ended the season third in the overall standings, earning the respect of his peers and catching the attention of several top-tier teams.

In 2020, he continued with MP Motorsport in the Formula Renault Eurocup. Though he faced tough competition, Colapinto continued to grow his list of podium finishes and demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, building a reputation as one of the most promising young drivers in the feeder series.

Euroformula Open

In 2021, Colapinto took on a new challenge, competing in the Euroformula Open Championship with MP Motorsport. This season proved to be another showcase of his talent, as he consistently finished on the podium and secured multiple race wins. His driving style, described as aggressive yet composed, impressed onlookers as he demonstrated his ability to extract the maximum from his car on both street circuits and traditional race tracks.

By the end of the season, Colapinto finished second in the championship standings, narrowly missing out on the title. However, his performances left no doubt that he was ready for the next step in his career.

Le Mans

In 2021, Franco Colapinto expanded his racing horizons by stepping into the world of endurance racing, one of motorsport’s most demanding disciplines. He made his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, racing in the LMP2 category with G-Drive Racing. Despite the transition from sprint races to the endurance format, Colapinto adapted remarkably well, showcasing impressive pace and maturity.

Le Mans was a monumental achievement for Colapinto, as it not only tested his speed but also his ability to manage consistency, team coordination, and the physical and mental demands of a 24-hour race. His performance significantly contributed to his team’s competitive showing, making it a valuable experience in his career.

FIA Formula 3

In 2022, Colapinto continued his rise, joining the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. From the very first race, it was clear that Colapinto had the pace to compete at this level. He made an immediate impact by securing pole position in his debut race at Sakhir and followed it up with a Sprint Race win at Imola, marking his and his team's first victory in the series. Despite the challenges of competing against more experienced teams, Colapinto finished the season ninth in the drivers' standings.

In 2023, Colapinto returned to MP Motorsport for another season in Formula 3. After a tough start in Melbourne, where he was disqualified from the Sprint Race, Colapinto bounced back to claim two Sprint Race victories at Silverstone and Monza. He ended the season fourth in the championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier driver.

FIA Formula 2

In October 2023, Colapinto made his Formula 2 debut, joining MP Motorsport for the final round of the season in Yas Marina. Although he finished 19th in the Sprint Race and retired from the Feature Race due to a sensor issue, the experience prepared him for a full campaign in 2024.

Continuing with MP Motorsport in 2024, Colapinto claimed his first F2 victory at Imola in the Sprint Race, adding to his growing list of accomplishments.

Formula 1

Franco Colapinto’s rise through the ranks of motorsport ultimately led him to Formula 1. In January 2023, Colapinto joined the Williams Driver Academy, marking his entry into the world of F1. He made his F1 debut during the 2023 post-season test at Yas Marina, becoming the first Argentine to drive an F1 car since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.

In 2024, Colapinto stepped in to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams after the Dutch Grand Prix and made his full race debut at the Italian Grand Prix, where he qualified 18th and finished 12th. In his second race at Baku, Colapinto finished 8th, scoring points and becoming the first Argentine to do so since Carlos Reutemann in 1982. In Singapore, he qualified 12th and finsihed 11th.