Colapinto warned against Red Bull move: 'It could destroy him'

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has warned Franco Colapinto that moving to Red Bull could "destroy him". 

The Williams driver has emerged as a shock contender to replace Sergio Perez, who is under increasing pressure due to his consistent poor performances. 

Perez does have a contract for next year with Red Bull; however, Colapinto is one of several drivers being linked with the Mexican driver's seat. 

RacingNews365 understands that Red Bull would have to pay Williams $20 million to sign its academy driver, who has impressed the F1 paddock. 

Colapinto did suffer a very difficult São Paulo Grand Prix, where he destroyed his FW46 in his second crash of the event. 

His speed is unquestionable, making Chandhok believe it would make more sense for Red Bull to sign the Argentine driver for its junior team.

“He’s clearly very quick, clearly very talented," Chandhok said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

“I think we’ll all admit, including Williams, that it’s been a bit of a surprise, because his junior formula record didn’t suggest he’s going to be as good as he has been, and maybe he is well suited to an F1 car or the style of driving, but I think it’d be a mistake to put him in a Red Bull.

“I think it’s too early, I think if they were talking about putting him in an RB, I think that’ll be a good, sensible choice and a career progression for him.

“If they put him in a Red Bull alongside Max, it could destroy him, I think it’d be too soon.”