In a sport as fast-paced and competitive as Formula 1, it’s no surprise that the spotlight often shifts from one driver to the next in the blink of an eye. Every season, new talents emerge, only for some to fade into obscurity while others rise to stardom. However, one name that has been generating buzz recently is that of José María Colapinto — an Argentine driver who many believe could be the next big thing in Formula 1. But despite his undeniable talent, Colapinto’s journey to F1 is far from guaranteed. And perhaps, it’s Formula 1’s short-term vision and quick-turnover culture that is the biggest hurdle standing in his way.
José María Colapinto, at just 20 years old, has already displayed a level of skill and maturity that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. His career began in karting, where he showed exceptional promise, quickly moving through the junior single-seater ranks. Colapinto went on to compete in high-profile series such as Eurocopa, Formula Renault Eurocup, and most recently, the Formula 3 Championship. In 2022, he delivered a standout season with MP Motorsport, securing several podium finishes and putting himself in contention for the championship until the final race.
What sets Colapinto apart is his consistency, composure under pressure, and a knack for extracting the maximum performance from his car. These qualities were on full display in Formula 3, where he finished his season in a competitive midfield. While he didn’t win the title, his performances were enough to spark the interest of F1 teams and observers alike. He demonstrated the potential to make an impact at the highest level of motorsport, but the question remains: why is he not already on the F1 grid?
Formula 1 is notoriously selective when it comes to picking drivers. The talent pool is deeper than ever, with young drivers coming through the ranks faster and with more experience than in previous generations. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean F1 teams are getting it right when it comes to identifying and nurturing future stars.
One of the most glaring issues facing the sport today is its tendency to overlook talented young drivers in favor of more marketable, high-profile candidates. In a sport where sponsorships and financial backing play such an important role, young, lesser-known drivers often struggle to secure a seat, even if they have the raw talent to succeed. Colapinto’s case is a perfect example of this trend.
While many F1 teams are currently filled with experienced drivers or are focused on promoting their academy talents, Colapinto has not been given the same opportunities as others, despite his impressive credentials. In contrast, other drivers with more sponsorship or connections, despite showing less potential, are swiftly brought into the fold. For example, Liam Lawson, a fellow F1 academy driver, made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri after just a handful of Formula 1 practice sessions, largely due to the backing of his team and the need for a replacement driver in the case of injuries. Meanwhile, Colapinto, who has demonstrated similarly strong performances in feeder series, continues to wait for an opportunity.
Formula 1’s reliance on immediate results can sometimes lead teams to prioritize short-term performance over long-term development. Teams are under constant pressure to secure points, satisfy sponsors, and maintain competitive positions in the Constructors’ Championship. As a result, there is a tendency to choose drivers with proven track records or significant financial backing, rather than those with potential who may need time to develop.
This approach has two major drawbacks:
- Lack of Patience for Talent Development: Young drivers like Colapinto may need a year or two to adjust to the demands of Formula 1. Yet, F1 teams are increasingly unwilling to offer that kind of time. With the current demand for instant results, many teams prefer to stick with established names rather than take a gamble on a younger driver who might need nurturing.
- Missed Opportunities for Teams: By overlooking talented drivers like Colapinto, F1 teams risk missing out on a potential future champion. History has shown that many successful F1 drivers didn’t necessarily start their careers with immediate victories. Instead, they honed their skills over several seasons, building experience and confidence before reaching the top. Failing to nurture young talent at the right moment can result in F1 teams losing out on future stars who, once given the right opportunities, could drive their teams to success.
F1 academies were initially set up to identify and develop young talent, but they have evolved into a system that often serves as a stepping stone for drivers with the financial backing or connections necessary to secure F1 seats. Teams like Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Alpine each have their driver development programs, and while these academies provide excellent training and resources, they can sometimes overlook talents from outside their immediate radar.
Colapinto’s situation exemplifies this. Although he is part of the MP Motorsport team — a team that has had ties to the Alpine Academy — he has not yet managed to secure a position on the F1 grid. Even though his performances have been impressive in the junior categories, there’s a distinct lack of commitment from F1 teams to move him through the ranks.
For F1 to truly nurture talent, it needs to reconsider its approach. The current system often results in young drivers being tied to a particular team or academy, limiting their opportunities to secure seats with teams outside that structure. Colapinto, for example, would be a perfect candidate for a seat with one of the smaller teams in Formula 1, but without backing from one of the major academies, he struggles to break into the top echelon of motorsport.
Formula 1 needs to adopt a more sustainable approach to nurturing drivers. Instead of placing too much emphasis on immediate results, teams must focus on the long-term potential of drivers and invest time in developing their skills. In particular, smaller teams — often seen as the starting point for young drivers — could offer an environment in which drivers like Colapinto can refine their abilities, gain experience, and eventually progress to top teams.
It’s crucial for F1 teams to create an ecosystem where emerging drivers are given proper opportunities, without being rushed or overlooked for the sake of commercial interests or short-term success. For Colapinto, this means finding a team that is willing to invest in his future, even if the immediate rewards are not guaranteed.
Additionally, Formula 1 itself should continue to prioritize equal opportunity for all drivers, regardless of their background. With the sport increasingly global in nature, there are talented drivers from a variety of countries who could bring a fresh perspective to the grid. Colapinto’s Argentine heritage is an example of how diversity could enrich the sport — yet it’s clear that talent, not nationality, should be the deciding factor for who gets a seat.
José María Colapinto is a young driver with exceptional potential, but he is at risk of being overlooked in a system that prioritizes short-term results over long-term development. Formula 1’s focus on quick wins and commercial interests has made it harder for rising stars like Colapinto to find their place on the grid. If Formula 1 truly wants to nurture the best talent, it needs to reevaluate its approach and create more opportunities for young, deserving drivers, regardless of their backing or current popularity. Otherwise, the sport may find itself ignoring the next generation of champions