The F1 paddock is one of the most surreal environments in all of sports.
Let's paint a picture using the American Grand Prix held in Austin as an example. Located just off the pit lane, the F1 paddock includes hospitality space for each of the 10 teams, the FIA and Pirelli (the sport's exclusive tire supplier), as well as space for media sessions and more.
This means that as you walk around the F1 paddock, you can literally encounter some of motorsport's most famous figures as they arrive at the circuit and head to their teams' respective hospitality spaces. These areas serve not only as meeting areas for drivers, team principals and team members, but also as mini-restaurants for each team to enjoy meals throughout the day at the circuit.
Next, consider the fans. In Austin, fans can pay top dollar for paddock access and have the chance to rub shoulders with F1 royalty.
Continuing the American Grand Prix theme, one person stood out most that week.
Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto is the latest rock star in a sport full of rock stars. Colapinto took the F1 world by storm when he was promoted to driver for Williams midway through the season, replacing Logan Sargent. Throughout the week in Austin, the Argentine flag was visible everywhere, from the paddock to the grandstands, and throngs of fans followed Colapinto's every move.
Young drivers carry not only their own hopes and dreams, but also the hopes and dreams of an entire country.
But the 21-year-old driver spoke at length about what it means to represent Argentina and how it gives hope to his country's future drivers.
“I've really been waiting for this,” Colapinto told the media. SB Nationlocated in Austin. “And that's very special.
“Obviously, I've raced in Europe all my life, and I've probably raced in Australia for a week or so. But I've never raced in America, and it's closer to home. So I was really waiting for this 3rd round.
“Of course it's very special.
“So, my dream is to race in Argentina and race in Buenos Aires. But that's not happening. And these are the closest three races we have. And a lot I know that fans will be here, and many will come to Mexico and even Brazil.”
Colapinto also talked about how his sudden stardom is playing out in his native Argentina, noting how his success has captivated fans young and old back home.
“There's no other Formula 1 driver who has as much support from the fans as I do. It shows that it's very important and it pushes me forward a little bit,” Colapinto said. “And to get all these messages of support and have all the fans come to the races to support you is pretty great and makes you work a little bit more towards what you want.
“This is very special. I'm very happy to be the next Argentine in Formula 1 and all the kids are overwhelmed,” Colapinto continued. “They are very happy to see the first F1 driver from their country. And for all the kids who are interested in motorsport, they are the next. ”[w]Oh, I love F1 now,” they say, passionate about the sport.
“And you know, this is changing motorsport in Argentina a lot. So what's happening in this country is really good.”
The young driver explained how he feels about the fluctuating F1 schedule around the Americas, which means a number of home races will be held.
“So it's going to almost feel like home. At least I think it's Brazil. I'm really looking forward to it,” Colapinto continued. “I have received a lot of support from the Argentinian fans to race close to home, which is something I have been waiting for and dreaming of.
“And it's happening now. It's a very exciting time.”
Speaking in Brazil ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Colapinto detailed how his success could pave the way for future Argentine drivers.
“Yeah, that would be great. I think this shows that things are getting better,” Colapinto said during the game. FIA press conference At the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Lewis [Hamilton] We have already talked many times about the difficulties that come from his side. There were many. When I was young, I had a really hard time leaving my homeland and going to Europe. You are far from your family and you are having a hard time. For Europeans, it's normal to get on a plane after a race, fly home for an hour, and be with your family in the evening, but for me it was the exact opposite. .
“You're 14 years old, living on your own, coming home from a tough weekend and needing a little hug, but that's not the case. You're completely alone, so it gets a little harder. Of course, the budget part is the hardest, and that's why we… It will be very difficult. I think there is a lot of talent in South America and if given the chance, they can show it,” Colapinto continued. “That’s the most important part.
“I think it's gotten a lot better these days. Lewis has already talked about how it's very important for him to be very welcoming and to give back a little bit of what he felt was unacceptable at the time. And I feel like it's gotten a lot better these days. I've had a lot of support. Everyone around me has been very supportive,” Colapinto added. “And they engage me in every little thing, which is very gratifying to see. And it's very exciting to see how we're progressing as a society.” I think that's true.
“And the drivers, they've all been very welcoming. It's been great. I respect what Lewis has shown in the last few races. I think it's something special and very important for this sport, so I think it would be great if in the future someone else comes, a South American. If we can continue, it will be great. Let's hope for it,” the young driver added.
Everywhere you look in the F1 paddock these days, you'll see blue and white flags following Colapinto's every move. This young driver carries not only the hopes and dreams of a nation, but also the hopes and dreams of future generations of drivers.
F1 gets better every step of the way.
