Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and title defender Max Verstappen were adamant Franco Colapinto deserves a seat in Formula 1 for the future. While the rumor mill surrounding the Argentine driver’s future continues to turn, the 21-year-old is earning plenty of praise for his showings in the current season. 

Hamilton was the first to talk on the matter, as he shared a spot with Colapinto during the driver’s Media Day on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

“He’s done an incredible job,” said the British driver. “The majority of us have a bit of a run-up [before getting to an F1 seat]. [Colapinto] didn’t have that, so to be called upon at the last minute and be thrown into the deep end in this sport, he did a fantastic job.”

The Mercedes driver, who will be moving to Ferrari for the 2025 season, recalled having a “great little battle” with Colapinto in his very first race and highlighted the Argentine driver was racing “hard but fair.”

“I think he’s earned his right to be here,” said Hamilton. “Their still is a seat available. [Colapinto] is saying it’s not his decision, but my advice would be to do absolutely everything to make sure it’s his.”

Later on the day, three-time world champion and current title defender Max Verstappen from Red Bull talked about whether Colapinto has already shown he deserves an F1 seat. 

“It’s complicated,” he said about rumors linking the Argentine driver to one of the Red Bull teams. “Whatever he or his management decides to do, does he deserve a place on the grid? With what he has shown so far, I think so.”

The issue of whether Williams Racing will allow Colapinto to race for a different team in 2025 was one raised by the racer himself. 

“I guess if Williams cannot give me a seat, the logical step would be to allow me to go somewhere else and find the best opportunity for me,” he said during Media Day, adding he’s the last person who should be asked about it and that he’s focused on doing the best job possible in Brazil with Williams.

The British team currently has two drivers set up for the upcoming season, with Thailand’s Alex Albon tied until 2027 and current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz joining for 2025 and 26.

Williams team principal James Vowles has remained adamant he wants to find Colapinto a seat for 2025 or for him to become the team’s lead test driver if they can’t reach a deal with other teams.

Colapinto is set to take on his sixth Grand Prix race in Brazil, where a massive Argentine following is expected. The qualifying will run on Saturday at 3 p.m., with the race scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m.

‘Incomprehensible’ Pérez mistake opens the door for Colapinto?

One of the suitors allegedly bidding for Colapinto’s services next season is Red Bull. The energy drinks manufacturer owns two teams in the grid, championship contenders Red Bull Racing and mid-field hopefuls RBF1.

In the leading team, Sergio “Checo” Pérez has accrued less than half of the points teammate Verstappen, a disappointing result that could open the door for Colapinto. 

“Sergio Perez had a bad weekend in Mexico,” wrote key Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko in his Speedweek column on Wednesday. “We know that qualifying is not his strong point, but being eliminated in the first qualifying segment is very disappointing.” 

The racing consultant also criticized Pérez for his mistake of placing the car on the starting grid, which cost him a five seconds penalty, calling it “incomprehensible.”

Marko has been very approving of Colapinto in the past. During the Mexico GP, he called his performances “incredible for a relatively inexperienced driver” and admitted “he’s one for the future.”

His thoughts have been echoed by Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, prompting paddock regulars to wonder if the door isn’t opening for the Argentine on one of the Red Bull teams.