Colapinto admits tough F1 transition amid Argentina GP buzz

Franco Colapinto has welcomed Argentina’s growing push to return to Formula 1 but admits the top tier of motorsport remains a demanding environment, both for the country and for himself as a rookie.

Speaking Thursday at Spa, the 21-year-old Alpine-backed driver praised the initiative to bring MotoGP back to Buenos Aires by 2027.

The two-phase overhaul of the Autodromo Oscar y Juan Galvez is being led by Hermann Tilke and could eventually pave the way for F1.

"I think it's great to have MotoGP back in Buenos Aires. It's a country full of very passionate fans," said Colapinto.

"Formula 1 would be a bit more tricky to go there, especially with the track changes. I think they are more for a bike than for a Formula 1 car.

"It would be amazing for the fans and for F1 to see what they can actually achieve there. Of course, it's one of my dreams, but it still looks a little far away."

While national hopes are building, Colapinto’s own path in Formula 1 is proving difficult. Since stepping in for Jack Doohan early in 2025 after impressing for Williams late last year, his form has been modest, and he acknowledged the elite level of F1 came as a shock.

"Formula 2 is a great championship, but it still doesn't fully prepare you for F1," he said. "Suddenly you've got 30 engineers in a room compared to two or three in Formula 2 - and that's a pretty big shock."

"You're putting in a big effort trying to go quick to score points for 1,000-plus people that are in a factory building the quickest car for two guys. It's a big job. That's why Nico (Hulkenberg) and Fernando (Alonso) are here next to me - they have so much knowledge."

Fernando Alonso, now also a mentor to young talents like Gabriel Bortoleto, was asked what advice he would give to rookies under pressure.

"It's an extremely competitive environment," said Alonso. "You have to be ready to deliver your best performance every day. And when you don't, you have to be ready to accept some criticism and try to get better.

"There's only one guy winning - normally for five or six years in a row. So you have to control that frustration." Colapinto agreed. "Formula 1, we all know it's a tough sport.

"There are only twenty places, and it's always going to be tricky how you get here. It's a lot of effort, a lot of sacrifice. It's the sport we all love, and we are very lucky to be able to do it."