Franco Colapinto’s success with Williams in Formula 1 has galvanized fans in Argentina – a nation stands behind the new national hero
Since Monza, the Argentine Franco Colapinto has been sitting in the Williams cockpit in Formula 1 for Logan Saergent. The 21-year-old impressed right from the start with good results, even though he had no experience in the premier class. In three starts, he has so far scored four points, inspiring the pride of an entire nation waiting for its next motorsport hero.
The Argentinians are considered crazy about sports. Football icon Lionel Messi is revered, his career culminating in winning the 2022 World Cup. Buenos Aires was ecstatic, the fans carried the team on their hands. United in mourning, the fans in 2020 when football legend Diego Maradona died.
At the same time, the country is struggling with economic problems. Inflation rose by 250 percent in the summer. More than half of the population lives in poverty. That’s more than 23 million people. In 2023, the people elected the right-wing liberal Javier Milei, who implemented drastic cuts to save money and boost the economy. The International Monetary Fund has just lent Argentina 44 billion dollars and is watching the country’s development very closely.
Finally an Argentinian again
The Argentinians are considered a very proud people, but since the economy is difficult, the athletes are revered as a way to express national pride. Messi, Maradona, NBA star Manu Ginobili, tennis player Gabriela Satabtini, hockey legend Luciana Aymar and now Colapinto: they all surf on a wave that is carried by the Argentine people.
Formula One and Argentina have a rich history together. A Grand Prix was held in Buenos Aires from 1953 to 1998. The Argentine Formula One superstar Juan Manuel Fangio won four of them. The late Carlos Reutemann was the last Argentine to win a Formula One race in 1981. Since then, the country has rarely been represented in the premier class.
Gaston Mazzacane raced in Formula One in 2000 and 2001, after which it took 23 years for Colapinto to sign with Williams. The youngster filled the front pages of newspapers and online platforms in his home country. The racing driver from Buenos Aires ended up on television and his social media following exploded.
FOX’s ratings skyrocketed: in Singapore, 600,000 fans tuned in, not the usual 150,000. There are public viewings to watch the Argentine’s races, even though the most recent races took place in inconvenient time zones for fans in South America. When Formula One returns to America, even more spectators are expected. The Brazilian Grand Prix is already sold out.
But what does the 21-year-old with Italian roots say about the hype surrounding him? “I’m very happy about the support from my home country. It’s something special and nice that the fans are enjoying the successes I’ve had with Williams. I’m looking forward to Brazil because, as an Argentine, it’s kind of my home race and a very special place for me. There will be a lot of fans there.”
Williams is also benefiting from the buzz in Colapinto, with two companies, Mercado Libre and Globant, having signed sponsorship deals. “I’m very proud,” says Colapinto. “Since Williams announced me in Formula 1, many companies have come. Hopefully there will be more. Globant was one of the first because they helped me get into Formula 2. Having them in Formula 1 now is great. Mercado Libre is one of the largest companies in South America, I am very grateful.”
Formula 1 back to Argentina?
The government also wants a piece of the action and is already promoting a return of Formula 1 to Argentina. Tourism Minister Daniel Scioli has already presented initial plans. “I have spoken to President Javier Milei and am working to bring Formula 1 to the country,” he is quoted as saying. “I have no doubt that talks are already taking place and we can dream of great things.”
Argentina has long dreamed of a return of Formula 1, Scioli’s delegation will now travel to Brazil for initial talks with Formula 1. The premier class can currently hardly save itself from inquiries, because many countries want to be part of the world championship. 24 races already push teams and drivers to their limits. In addition, the future of Colapinto after 2024 is still completely in the stars.
Despite all the euphoria, however, the downsides must also be addressed: a small number of Argentinean fans have recently overstepped the mark on several occasions. Agustin Canapino drove in the IndyCar series and got into a fight with Theo Pourchaire, among others. As a result, Pourchaire received death threats from Canapino fans via social media. Callum Ilott has also been threatened by fans.
However, it must be said that it is a minority of Argentine fans who shoot so massively against other drivers who have clashed with their national heroes. Should Colapinto establish himself in Formula 1, he could bind an entire nation to Formula 1 and thus ensure a noticeable upswing in South America.
