Franco Alejandro Colapinto, born on May 27, 2003, in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a rising star in the world of motorsport, currently competing in Formula 1 for the Alpine F1 Team. At just 21 years old, Colapinto has already made history as the first Argentine driver to race in Formula 1 since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001, and only the second Argentine to drive for Williams, following in the footsteps of the legendary Carlos Reutemann.
Known for his aggressive driving style and remarkable adaptability, Colapinto began his racing journey at the age of nine in karting, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of Argentina’s most promising talents. His career trajectory has taken him from regional karting circuits to the pinnacle of motorsport, showcasing his determination and skill on a global stage. A dual citizen of Argentina and Italy, Colapinto’s multicultural background and family support have played a significant role in shaping his path to Formula 1.
Franco Colapinto parents
Franco’s parents, Aníbal Colapinto and Andrea Trofimczuk, have been instrumental in his journey to becoming a professional racing driver. Aníbal, of Italian descent and born in Italy, has been a steadfast supporter of Franco’s career since his karting days. While little is publicly known about Aníbal’s professional background, his dedication to his son’s dreams is evident in the sacrifices he made, including selling the family home to fund Franco’s participation in the 2019 Spanish F4 Championship. This pivotal decision allowed Franco to compete in Europe, a crucial step in his career. Aníbal has spoken proudly of Franco’s authenticity and laid-back personality, noting his son’s ability to remain true to himself while navigating the high-pressure world of motorsport.
Andrea Trofimczuk, Franco’s mother, is of Ukrainian descent and lives in Argentina. Though details about her profession are scarce, she has been a constant source of encouragement, supporting Franco from his early karting days through his rapid ascent in single-seater racing. Together, Aníbal and Andrea have fostered a close-knit family environment, with Franco maintaining strong ties to his parents and younger sister, Martina, despite spending much of his career in Europe.
Career
Colapinto’s motorsport journey began at nine years old when he took up karting in Argentina, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent. By 2016, he had clinched the Argentine Championship in the Pre-Junior class and the Buenos Aires Regional Championship, followed by another regional title in 2017 and the Sudam class championship in 2018. That same year, he won a gold medal in an exhibition karting event at the Youth Summer Olympics alongside María García Puig, showcasing his versatility. At 14, Colapinto made the bold decision to move to Italy alone to pursue his racing career, a move that marked the beginning of his European journey. In 2018, he debuted in single-seater racing with Drivex School in the final round of the Spanish F4 Championship, securing a victory and a second-place finish. This success led to a full-time campaign in 2019, backed by Fernando Alonso’s FA Racing team, where he dominated with 11 victories, 13 podiums, and 10 pole positions to claim the championship title.
In 2020, Colapinto competed in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, finishing third overall and winning the rookie championship. He also joined the Formula Renault Eurocup with MP Motorsport, securing two wins and nine podiums to finish third in the championship. In 2021, he balanced single-seater racing with sportscar events, competing in the Formula Regional European Championship, where he finished sixth, and the Asian and European Le Mans Series, earning a third-place finish in the former. His progression continued in 2022 with the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he raced for Van Amersfoort Racing, securing two wins and finishing ninth overall. In 2023, he returned to MP Motorsport for his second F3 season, achieving two wins and five podiums to finish fourth in the standings. That year, he also joined the Williams Driver Academy, a significant milestone that provided his first taste of Formula 1 machinery.
Colapinto’s Formula 1 breakthrough came in 2024 when he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams for the final nine races of the season, making his debut at the Italian Grand Prix. He scored his maiden F1 points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, becoming the first Argentine to do so since Carlos Reutemann in 1982. Despite a challenging season with incidents like a crash in São Paulo and a retirement in Qatar, he finished 19th in the championship with five points. In January 2025, Alpine signed him as a reserve driver, and by May, he was promoted to a race seat, replacing Jack Doohan for at least five Grands Prix starting at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. His rapid rise and ability to perform under pressure have cemented his reputation as a driver to watch in Formula 1.
Accolades
Colapinto’s career is marked by a series of impressive accolades that highlight his talent and consistency. His karting achievements include the 2016 Argentine Championship (Pre-Junior class), the 2016 and 2017 Buenos Aires Regional Championships, the 2018 Argentine Championship (Sudam class), and a gold medal at the 2018 Youth Summer Olympics. In single-seater racing, he claimed the 2019 Spanish F4 Championship with an astounding 11 wins, 13 podiums, and 10 pole positions. In 2020, he secured the rookie championship in the Toyota Racing Series and finished third overall in both that series and the Formula Renault Eurocup.
His 2022 and 2023 FIA Formula 3 campaigns yielded four wins and multiple podiums, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. In 2024, Colapinto earned the “Overtake of the Year” award for his on-track prowess in Formula 1, a testament to his aggressive and skillful driving. Additionally, his performances in endurance racing, including a third-place finish in the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series, demonstrate his versatility across motorsport disciplines. With a growing social media presence and sponsorships from brands like Globant, YPF, and Quilmes Cero, Colapinto’s achievements extend beyond the track, making him a prominent figure in Argentine motorsport.