Verstappen raised eyebrows when he gave his opinion on Colapinto’s chances of becoming his Red Bull teammate in Formula 1.

Franco Colapinto surprised Formula 1 for his performances in his first six appearances with the team Williams. He was able to finish seven of his eight events, adding two sprints. Austin And Saint Paul. At 21, he is the youngest rider of the 20 on the starting line-up, but has no guaranteed place in 2025 as the English team has hired Carlos Sainzwhich will unite the duet with Alex Albon.

Colapinto approached Williams from Logan Sargeant behind him Dutch Grand Prix V Zandvoort. And in the six races the young Argentine has competed in since then, he has left a more than excellent impression, including two points. Calls to give him a place at Maxim in 2025 are becoming more frequent.

The question is Where would the 21-year-old Buenos Aires native belong? Sauber chose Gabriel Bortoleto And Racing Bulls (which officially has the only open seat for 2025) appears to be opting for Liam Lawson for now.

The only thing that can change history is a possible way out of Sergio Perez from Red Bull. Although the Mexican still has a contract with an energy drink company He performs worse next season and there remains a real possibility that he will be sacked later in the year. In theory, this would open the way to Colapinto moves to Red Bull or Racing Bullswith the team’s current satellite squadron pilots, Yuki Tsunoda And Liam Lawsonalso in line for promotion to Red Bull.

When they asked Max Verstappen about the situation and rumors that connect Colapinto with transfer to Red Bullpraised him. “It’s difficult to answer this question because he still has a contract with Williams,” the Dutchman told the media, including RacingNews365. “He feels very good. I think Williams is also wondering what to do with Franco.”he added.

The reigning world champion, who can claim his fourth title this weekend in Vegasinsists that the situation Colapinto highlights the need for Formula One teams to take more risks with emerging drivers. “For me personally, this shows that teams in general need to be more open to young talent and trust them.”– added the 27-year-old Dutchman.

Because now there is a situation in which, as a junior Williamshe might have to leave or seek his fortune elsewhere, while the team could also put him in a monopost instead of hiring others. Verstappen He admits that the situation is difficult, but emphasizes that he is convinced that Colapinto has done enough to guarantee himself a permanent position in the future. “It’s complicated. Regardless of what he decides or what his leadership decides to do,” he said. Max. “Does he deserve a place on the grid? I think so, given what has been shown so far.. But now it’s not easy to find a place.”

This isn’t the first time Verstappen has highlighted work Colapinto. At the press conference the day before Grand Prix of St. Paul

argued that “he deserves a place in Formula 1 with what he has already shown”, he said.

During contact with the media in the conference room Hippodrome Jose Carlos Pace from Interlagoswas also Yuki Tsunodafrom the satellite team, Racing Bullsand he also did not ignore the question of the Argentinean. “I’d be surprised if they didn’t consider Colapinto.“, he said, looking at 2025.

This weekend F1 will return to action with Las Vegas Grand Prixon a street highway in the specified city Snowfall. This will be another challenge for Franco Colapinto on an unknown track and in the second night competition.