Colapinto reacts to Audi F1 seat rumours after Vowles pledge

Franco Colapinto has conceded it would be a “dream come true” to secure a seat on the F1 grid next year.

Colapinto was called up to replace Logan Sargeant ahead of the Italian Grand Prix and impressed during his maiden F1 weekend around Monza.

An even stronger performance followed at the following round in Azerbaijan as Colapinto secured eighth place, becoming the first Argentine to score points in F1 since Carlos Reutemann in the 1982 South African GP.

In Sunday's Singapore GP, and after team-mate Alex Albon had retired early, Colapinto missed out on a top-10 finish by less than two seconds. 

With Williams' driver line-up for next year already locked down, as Albon will be partnered by Carlos Sainz, team boss James Vowles has stated he will attempt to work with Audi to provide Colapinto a drive in F1 ahead of the German manufacturer's arrival on the grid in 2026.

When asked about the prospect of remaining on the grid for next year, Colapinto told media including RacingNews365: “I'm not really thinking about that. 

“I haven't seen much of the news, to be honest. I'm right now with Williams, and I think we are doing a very good job together. 

“My focus is on finishing this year on a high, keep learning. I have a lot of things to learn and then let's see what I can do next year.”

Williams 'achieving great things' - Colapinto

Audi is yet to confirm who will race for the team next year alongside Nico Hulkenberg, with the Sauber-run team competing under the Stake name again before transitioning to a works team the following year.

It is expected Valtteri Bottas will be confirmed as retaining his seat, but for 2025 only, edging out McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto and current Stake team-mate Zhou Guanyu. 

As he looks to impress in his remaining races with Williams, Colapinto asserted it would be a “dream come true” to stay on the grid next year.

“I'm not focusing on 2025, just focusing on the amazing opportunity that I got from James, from Williams, and we are working very, very well together,” he said. “We are making steps forward and I think it's the way to go. 

“Of course, it would be a dream come true to stay in F1. But right now, I am extremely happy to have this chance in the next races with them, and I'm very proud to be a part of this team and score points together.

“We are achieving great things as a team.”