Joan Villadelprata historical figure of the highest automobile competition, with an extensive career as Ferrari crew chiefpraised Franco Colapinto for his performance. It was during an interview in which he referred to transfer of the Argentine to Alpinea French brand that decided sign him for five years with the support of Flavio Briatore.
Thus, Villadelprat, who also occupied important roles at Benetton and Prosthighlighted Briatore’s vision when betting on the pilot from Pilar: “I was very clear that it was going to happen, I said it from the first day. Knowing Flavio, he is going to buy it. He is going to buy it because Flavio “He is looking for the next Fernando Alonso, Schumacher.”.
To finish off that statement that surprised the interviewers, he assured: “Colapinto has given touches of genius”. The Spaniard sees a great future in the Argentine and also stressed that, despite making mistakes typical of his youth, “demonstrated exceptional potential”.
“There are many geniuses in F1, like Lando Norris and others. With all the mistakes, but he is young. First season, what has been seen, compared to his teammate Alex Albonwhich is within F1, which is really fast, which comes from Red Bull, what Franco has done is brilliant. He has made mistakes, but it is normal. But you see something special about him,” he highlighted.
Villadelprat’s stories about Formula 1
In the interview, Villadelprat also shared anecdotes about the way in which Briatore and himself used to identify and secure emerging talentcomparing Colapinto’s case with that of Michael Schumacher.
“Flavio is not inventing anything, we have done it with Schumacher. We took it from Jordan, we stole it from him in a brutal way. The poor Robert Morenowho closed a garage in Monza for us, who sued us. In the end we convinced him by giving him a million dollars. “He had the contract signed,” he said.
In relation to this, he once again referred to Colapinto, mentioning that “ups and downs are part of growth of a young driver in Formula 1″.
“For these specials you have to play fastand knowing Flavio I was very convinced,” he commented, highlighting the importance of give opportunities to talents with the potential to mark an era.
When and where would Franco Colapinto’s possible debut with Alpine be?
Although Colapinto is not within the starting lineupone of the two pilots has a unflattering contract in relation to its continuity. Doohan, being the most inexperienced of the team, has an arrangement for only five races with Alpinewhich can be extended if it shows good results.
This can cause great pressure to such a young rookie, only 21 years old. For now, he is eager to debut as main driver in his native country, the March 16 in the first race of the official F1 2025 calendar.
In case that Jack don’t show what the team leaders are looking for and does not perform as necessary, would be replaced by Franco from the sixth race, this being in the United States, in the Miami Grand Prix. It should be noted that this area is one of the most popular among Argentines residing abroadso there would be no shortage of fans to face what would be their first competition since 2024.
Complete Formula 1 calendar in 2025
- Australia | Melbourne: March 14 to 16
- China | Shanghai: March 21 to 23
- Japan | Suzuki: April 4 to 6
- Bahrain | Sakhir: April 11 to 13
- Saudi Arabia | Jeddah: April 18 to 20
- United States | Miami: May 2 to 4
- Italy | Imola: May 16 to 18
- Monaco | Monaco: May 23 to 25
- Spain | Barcelona: May 30 to June 1
- Canada | Montreal: June 13 to 15
- Austria | Spielberg: June 27 to 29
- United Kingdom | Silverstone: July 4 to 6
- Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps: July 25 to 27
- Hungary | Budapest: August 1 to 3
- Netherlands | Zandvoort: August 29 to 31
- Italy | Monza: September 5 to 7
- Azerbaijan | Baku: September 19 to 21
- Singapore | Singapore: October 3 to 5
- United States | Austin: October 17 to 19
- Mexico | Mexico City: October 24 to 26
- Brazil | Saint Paul: November 7 to 9
- United States | Vegas: November 20 to 22
- Qatar | Lusail: November 28 to 30
- Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina: December 5 to 7
Source: Ambito
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