F1 Insider reveals Franco Colapinto’s grandfather died just before the Sao Paulo Sprint Qualifying

After impressing F1 fans in the past five race weekends, rising star Franco Colapinto was unable to maximize during the Sprint Qualifying session for the Brazilian Sprint Race. Senior F1 photographer Kym Illman shared the news on social media after a disappointing P14 finish by the 21-year-old racer.

Replacing Logan Sargeant in Williams from the Italian Grand Prix onward, Colapinto has received praise from the F1 community. The young Argentine driver has been able to score two Top-10 finishes in the five F1 races of his career so far. However, ahead of the first Free Practice session (FP1) of the Brazilian race weekend, Colapinto received the news of his grandfather passing away.

Although the #43 Williams F1 driver took part in the Sprint Qualifying session, he was unable to achieve a strong result as his previous outings. He finished P14, getting knocked out of SQ2. Sharing an update about Colapinto, F1 insider Illman posted a picture of the youngster on Instagram, entering the paddock with a hat and headphones on, most likely to avoid media personnel.

Here's a look at the post on Illman's IG page, captioned:

"A SAD DAY FOR FRANCO. Franco Colapinto arrived this morning with cap down and headphones on. His grandfather passed away last night and he will be in some pain but will still forge ahead given FP1 kicks off at 11:30am local time."

The aforementioned update from Illman was also shared on X by a Lando Norris fan page, which wrote:

"Oh Franco :(( i hope he’s okay 🤍"

Colapinto is set to compete in the sixth race weekend of his debut F1 season. Although tragic, he will likely be focused on extracting the best result for himself and Williams F1.

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"He's earning his place"- Williams team principal James Vowles in talks with other teams for rookie racer Franco Colapinto

Williams rookie Franco Colapinto is yet to receive a full-time contract for the 2025 season. With Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon confirmed for next year, Williams team principal James Vowles is currently in talks with other teams for a seat for the young Argentine driver.

Speaking with ESPN, Vowles explained the situation for Colapinto's F1 season next year.

"The best I can really tell you is we're actively working with teams that are interested to try and find the right arrangement that helps Franco, that protects Franco as well and protects all parties. So it's very much in those lines," Vowles said.

"It's never straightforward between Formula 1 teams because you're fighting on track and you're trying to find a solution for a career of a young man. But answering the question, he's earning his place. He needs to do more on track to keep earning his place as a result of things, but he's shining, and that's why there's interest from teams," he added.

As of now, Colapinto is placed 18th on the Drivers' table. He is just 7 points behind his more experienced teammate Alex Albon.