Colapinto returned to MP Motorsport this year for his second FIA Formula 3 season and claimed three wins and five podiums, finishing fourth in the championship. However, this doesn’t tell the full story. Colapinto was one of the most consistent out of the 30 drivers in one of the most competitive junior single-seater series in the world. He never qualified lower than twelfth and finished fourteen out of eighteen races in the points. He amassed 110 points, 56.7% of MP Motorsport’s total point tally.
After two successful Formula 3 seasons, the logical step was graduating to Formula 2, and MP Motorsport provided the perfect opportunity for Franco to make this move.
The Dutch team claimed 13 victories and 30 podium finishes in FIA Formula 2 so far and won both the teams and drivers championships in 2022. Besides their successes on the track, MP Motorsport became like a family for Franco during the three seasons he spent with them.
In 2023, Colapinto joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy’s talent roster and enjoyed the support of the legendary Formula 1 team in the FIA F3 Championship. The Grove-based team welcomed Colapinto at the start of this year and provided him with priceless opportunities to drive the F1 simulator and take part in events as part of the team.
Franco will get his first taste of the FIA Formula 2 machinery this year by entering the final round of the championship in Abu Dhabi with MP Motorsport.
Franco Colapinto:
“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity. We’ve been working really hard to secure a seat in F2 so this is a dream come true. To be able to do it with MP Motorsport makes it even more special. Thanks to Sander and Henk for their trust and continuing to support me. Being part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, this past year has been an incredible experience. I am grateful to all my sponsors who have been with me this season and those who joined me for the next stage of my career: Visit Argentina, YPF, ROFGO Racing, Globant and Bizarrap. Thanks to the team behind me: Bullet Sports Management. I wouldn’t be where I am now without your hard work and sacrifices. And last but not least, Gracias Argentina! The love and support I receive from my home country every day lifts me up and pushes me through the toughest times. I couldn’t be prouder to fly the flag in F2.“
María Catarineu, Commercial Director Bullet Sports Management:
“We have turned over every stone to secure this opportunity for Franco and I am pleased to say, we succeeded. He deserves this seat on merit. Franco is one of the most exciting talents we’ve come across over the years and with the right tools he has the potential to achieve big things. We would like to thank our friends at MP Motorsport for their generosity and Williams Racing for their support in 2023. The two teams together have provided Franco with the perfect environment to perform at his best. We’d like to thank all our partners who helped to make this happen and the entire nation of Argentina who stood by our side as one.”
Sander Dorsman, Team Principal MP Motorsport:
“It’s great news that we are able to announce Franco’s promotion to our F2 team so early. This will give us a head-start in our preparations for an exciting 2024 F2 season in which we all start from zero, with the new F2 car offering everyone a new baseline to work from. Retaining Franco helps us to maintain stability in that transition, apart from the fact that he’s become a member of the MP family and is an extremely quick and talented driver.”
The final round of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 championship takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on 24-26 November, followed by the official post-season test on 29 November-1 December.
