A new rookie contender has potentially entered the fight for the final Formula 1 race seat in 2025.
Roger Benoit, a seasoned journalist with the Swiss outlet Blick, is advocating for Audi-owned Sauber to refrain from renewing Valtteri Bottas' contract.
The Finnish driver finished last in Baku, with Benoit harshly criticising the 34-year-old for being "barely motivated."
"But it was a pleasure to watch the new Williams driver Franco Colapinto from the start," Benoit said.
In just his second grand prix, Logan Sargeant's replacement managed to out-qualify the highly regarded Alex Albon and finished in P8 on Sunday.
However, the 21-year-old Colapinto's future beyond the 2024 season remains unclear, with Carlos Sainz set to take over his Williams seat next year.
Speaking to DAZN over the weekend, Colapinto shared his thoughts on Sainz: "The truth is that I admire Carlos a lot and he got to where he is with a lot of effort. I know it was very difficult for him too," Colapinto added.
Despite the uncertainty, Colapinto is determined to capitalise on his opportunity during the remainder of the season. "It is a very important moment for me," Colapinto said.
"The confidence that James (Vowles) put in me, the opportunity he gave me, is something that I admire a lot. That he took a risk - that's the reality - of changing drivers in the middle of the season.
"I want to show that he made the right choice."
Benoit hopes that Audi and Sauber will now include Colapinto's name on their shortlist for 2025, alongside rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
"Colapinto will be on the market at the end of the season," Benoit noted, despite his solid contract within Williams' junior programme.
"He and Bortoleto must now be the duel for the second seat at Audi-Sauber. Unless Red Bull releases Liam Lawson in September," Benoit added.
As for Colapinto, he is determined to continue making an impression in the Formula 1 paddock.
"I hope I'm showing what I can do and that I deserve a place in Formula 1," Colapinto told DAZN on Sunday.
"I have done very little driving in a Formula 1 car, so I think finishing in the points in my second race is something very positive and very good. We need to keep working, but it's a good start."
