Perez warns Colapinto over 'risk to his career'

Sergio Perez has warned Franco Colapinto against returning to F2 if he is not handed a drive at Stake F1 next year.

Colapinto has impressed at the three events he has taken part in with Williams so far this year after stepping up in place of Logan Sargeant after the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Argentine driver scored points in Azerbaijan - as did fellow rookie Oliver Bearman who stood in at Haas in place of Kevin Magnussen.

“They've done a great job,” Perez told media including RacingNews365. 

“Especially with F2, when you think about it. They're not the guys winning but then they come in and they do a fantastic job.

“It's hard, more than that, to understand which are the good drivers in F2. But they’ve done a tremendous job.”

Colapinto has been linked to the seat at Stake next year ahead of its transition to Audi in 2026.

Perez has backed the 21-year-old for the vacancy - but warned he should avoid returning to F2 if he is not handed the drive.

“Obviously, it's great to see,” Perez stated. “I really hope for Franco that he's able to find that Audi seat. For him, it will be a shame that after the job that he's doing, he doesn't get a seat for next year.

“That can risk his career, going back to F2 and not having the straightforward year, having a couple of stalls with those cars. F2 has some work to do with their championship.

“It's great to see these young drivers coming in, being so confident and straight away delivering great results. It's always great to see that.”