The arrival of Franco Colapinto to the world of Formula 1 generated a great shakeup in the basic structures of the category. After nine races The Argentine not only shook the adrenaline of the top category but also managed to shake the visionaries who usually go out on the hunt for new talent, immediately managing to secure the services. Today Colapinto is under the tutelage of Flavio Briatore who He claims in his scrolls to have started the path of a certain Fernando Alonso and a man called Michael Schumacher.
In this context, opinions on the quality and conductive qualities of Franco Colapinto are not long in coming. After a moment of uncertainty that was clarified with the confirmation of his arrival as third driver at Alpine, The one who spoke was Antonio Pérez Garibay, father of Sergio “Checo” Perez. The Mexican driver is one of Franco Colapinto’s friends and with whom he used to be seen in the Formula 1 paddock. The Mexican businessman gave his opinion on the Argentine’s present and left a clear concept about what Franco is experiencing.
“I’m going to be completely honest with you, it makes me sad to see that Franco no longer has a seat.” Antonio Perez assured when referring to Colapinto’s present being a reserve driver for a team like Alpine. “I don’t like that he is the third driver, but this is Formula 1, you have to earn it,” said Perez, who knows very well the path that each driver must take to be able to establish himself in a structure that seeks to develop and be a protagonist among the most important. . Colapinto will have to earn the starting place that Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan have today.
It must be kept in mind that the young Australian, who is making his debut this coming season, has a contract for five competitions as a starting driver. During this period Doohan will have to convince Alpine officials that he can be Gasly’s ideal partner to be a year-round driver. Alpine is experiencing an important moment of transition and takes to the slopes to stake its place among the main structures of the category, something that will not be easy to carry on its shoulders.
Antonio Perez Garibay is an expert in the intimacy of Formula 1. Always close to his son, He came a long way and knew the good and the bad. He was the fundamental pillar in Checo’s sports career. and suffered with him the fall and the departure of the Mexican driver from Red Bull. “I can sign it for you now with my head that Franco will have tests this year in Formula 1. And I can tell you that next year he has a guaranteed seat, but he deserved it this year” stressed the Mexican businessman when referring to the future of Franco Colapinto.
Antonio Perez did not spare his praise for the Argentine and continued commenting that: “What he did, he did great, he deserves it, Argentina deserves it. He would have been a worthy representative for all of us Latinos with the departure of Checo, but I am sure he will return strong.” assured the businessman who also predicted that: “In 2026 there will be the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, the Argentine will be there, other very strong Latins will come from there, Checo will return from there” concluded Antonio Perez Garibay.
The Perez family experienced a difficult moment due to Checo’s early departure from Red Bull. The termination of the contract with Red Bull left the Mexican driver out of F1. Given this situation, Perez Garibay assured that: “The best version of Checo Pérez is yet to come. Everyone will be very happy and proud. What Checo Pérez has done so far is just the beginning. What is coming will be historic, I assure you,” said Antonio Perez, opening the possibility for Checo to continue in Formula 1 in the medium-term future.