Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes a move to Red
Bull would be a “mistake” for Franco Colapinto as it to be “too early” in his
career for such a switch.
The young Argentine is being linked as a potential
candidate to join the Red Bull stable
next season having impressed in his short stint on the grid so far, with team
principal Christian Horner having met with Williams boss James Vowles for
talks.
Chandhok: Franco Colapinto to Red Bull ‘too soon’, VCARB
the ‘sensible’ choice
PlanetF1.com understands the discussions between
Horner and Vowles were to explore options over Colapinto, with Williams team
principal Vowles
confirming there is interest from elsewhere in his driver – but that
he is working on a solution “that protects Franco as well and protects all
parties.”
He is currently due to exit the Formula 1 grid altogether
in 2025, with Carlos Sainz already inbound at Williams next season and Alex
Albon under contract, but his performances to date since replacing Logan
Sargeant have led to what Vowles has described as “multiple teams” being
interested.
With Red Bull understood to be one of those looking at
Colapinto, former Lotus and HRT driver Chandhok explained that while he has
given “the perfect job interview” so far, stepping into a potential cockpit at
Red Bull might be a step too far too soon, suggesting a berth at sister team
VCARB instead – should Red Bull decide to part with Sergio Perez at the end of
the year.
“He’s clearly very quick, clearly very talented,” Chandhok
said of Colapinto on the Sky F1 podcast.
“I think we’ll all admit, including Williams, that it’s been
a bit of a surprise, because his junior formula record didn’t suggest he’s
going to be as good as he has been, and maybe he is well suited to an F1 car or
the style of driving, but I think it’d be a mistake to put him in a Red Bull.
“I think it’s too early. I think if they were talking about
putting him in an RB, I think that’ll be a good, sensible choice and a career
progression for him.
“I think if they put him in a Red Bull alongside Max, it
could destroy him. I think it’d be too soon.
“The best choice or the best option is if Checo improves and stays there, that they don’t have to do anything, and they can stay status quo. But if that improvement is not coming, maybe they’re going to put Liam Lawson in and they put Franco in there [at VCARB].
