Franco Colapinto has been one of the main topics in the paddock for quite some time now. After replacing Logan Sargeant in Williams from the Italian GP onwards, he has shown that he deserves the full-time F1 seat in 2025 as well.

After finishing P12 in his debut race at Monza, he managed to pull off something even better last weekend in Baku. In his only second race, he managed to finish eight and score 4 points, while Sargeant has only scored 1 point throughout his 1,5 years in Formula 1.

However, a long time before this driver's switch in Williams, Carlos Sainz has already signed a contract with the British stable for next year. Therefore, Franco Colapinto, despite his good performance and great future potential, doesn’t have a seat for next year.

In Singapore, the Team Principal of Williams, James Vowles, spoke about possible discussions with Sauber/Audi over Colapinto, as the Argentine driver is still part of the Williams academy.

“What we've already said is we're very open-minded. We're waiting, in that circumstance, for Audi or Sauber to come to us and say, what do you want, what are you interested in? And from there, we can then discuss what it actually means as an implication. But the first stage is more an open discussion.”

At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza at the beginning of September, newly-appointed Sauber Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto, shared when the team wants to make a decision about the vacant seat.

“It’s certainly something that we need to judge. 

“So are we going for experience or for something new? It’s a project which is looking to a medium/long-term objective, or even long-term objective.

“So what’s the best for us from now to the final goal? Is it more having short-term experience, and then moving to something different? We need to decide. And today, I think we are not in the position to answer.

“We are certainly listening to all potential drivers. We are evaluating what are the pros and the cons, what’s the best compromise.

“I think we will decide as soon as possible, no doubt, because we need to set up the team for next year and for the future. We need to as well stop any speculations, because it’s not in our interest.

“But so far, no decision as well on what will be best. I think it’s really type of evaluations we are doing right now, and hopefully very soon, will become the conclusion.”

Williams is looking very strong this weekend in Singapore, which gives Colapinto an opportunity to shine and show that he deserves to get the full-time seat in 2025.