In a fascinating twist of motorsport fate, young Argentinian prodigy Franco Colapinto recently unveiled details about a covert testing opportunity he enjoyed last year at Interlagos, driving a Formula 1 car as part of Aston Martin’s ongoing development efforts. The event, held behind closed doors, not only marked a significant milestone in Colapinto’s rapidly ascending career, but also cast a unique spotlight on Driver Academy rivalries and the relentless pursuit of F1 excellence.
Colapinto, who currently competes in Formula 2 and is a crucial member of the Williams Driver Academy, travelled to Brazil late in 2023. The visit coincided with the Brazilian Grand Prix but, more tantalizingly for the young talent, included a bespoke test in an Aston Martin F1 car. This test, organized to maximize circuit familiarity and gather technical feedback, pitted Colapinto against one of his contemporaries, Gabriel Bortoleto—the McLaren-backed Brazilian sensation who now also races in Formula 2 and is regularly tipped as one of the sport’s future stars.
The two juniors were given the invaluable opportunity to showcase their abilities on home soil for Bortoleto and, in Colapinto’s case, to further cement his reputation among Formula 1’s powerbrokers. The significance of the session was dialed up not only by the prestige of the car and the legendary venue, but also by the competitive dynamic between the two talented drivers as each aimed to make a lasting impression.
Sources close to the teams suggest that Colapinto’s adaptation to the sophisticated and notoriously-demanding machinery was exemplary. Even though these tests often take place under limited media scrutiny, engineers quietly noted the Argentinian’s ability to quickly reach competitive lap times, finely balance car feedback with technical development work, and remain composed under the pressure—qualities essential for any driver aspiring to reach the F1 grid.
Equally riveting was the internal rivalry that surfaced with Bortoleto, who brought home support and a burning desire to outperform his fellow junior. Bortoleto, who recently joined McLaren’s development program, looked to use the occasion to reinforce his credentials to the British outfit, as well as to the watching Formula 1 world.
These private test sessions, increasingly common among Formula 1’s new generation of driver academies, serve multiple functions. Apart from allowing teams to scrutinize prospective talent behind the scenes, they help bridge the all-important gap between junior formulas and the highest echelon of motorsports. With testing restricted during official F1 weekends, such controlled outings become laboratories for evaluating mental fortitude, adaptability, and the ability to translate simulator running into real-world pace.
While the official lap times from the Interlagos sessions remain under wraps—as is customary in such affairs—rumblings from the paddock indicate that Colapinto’s showing impressed not just the team but also those present from rival development programs. It was a pivotal step for the talented Argentinian, who is already attracting interest beyond the Williams stable, and a reminder of how competitive the battle is to become Formula 1’s next breakthrough star.
Beyond just the drivers themselves, the test represented a coming together of two development philosophies: Williams’ methodical, data-driven approach versus McLaren’s emphasis on raw pace and aggression. That both Colapinto and Bortoleto handled the pressures admirably reinforces just how bright the future of Formula 1 appears, with a new generation ready to challenge the established order.
Looking ahead, fans should keep a keen eye on both Colapinto and Bortoleto as they continue their respective Formula 2 campaigns. Performances in these junior categories, coupled with experience gained from such exclusive Formula 1 tests, will no doubt play a decisive role in shaping the grid of the future. As Formula 1 teams prepare for the next wave of generational talent, it’s clear that Colapinto’s star continues to rise—and, in motorsport’s relentless meritocracy, every test, lap, and rivalry counts.
