In a surprising turn that has stunned fans of Formula 1 worldwide, Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull Racing team, has offered a historical contract of 150 million dollars to the young Argentine pilot Franco Collapinto to join Max Verstappen in the team from next season. According to sources close to the team, there is already agreement!
Colapint, only 21 years old, has demonstrated exceptional talent in the lower categories, standing out in formula 2 with brilliant actions that quickly captured the attention of the teams of the highest category. His aggressive but intelligent driving style, added to his maturity on and off the track, has been key for Red Bull to make this surprising decision.
The contract, one of the most lucrative offered to such a young pilot, not only reflects the faith of Horner and Red Bull in the potential of Colapinto, but also a clear strategy to ensure a solid future after years of dominance with Verstappen. The sum of 150 million dollars, distributed in five seasons, would also include performance benefits, bonuses for titles and an unprecedented technical support structure for a rookie pilot.
“We want to build the future of Red Bull and we believe that Franco is the perfect piece to do it with Max,” said a team spokesman, unofficially confirming that the agreement is practically closed. “It is an ambitious bet, but he has shown that he is ready for this challenge.”
The news has generated an earthquake in the Paddock of the F1. Teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren would have shown previous interest in Colapinto, but none approached the magnitude of the Red Bull offer. Even veteran pilots have reacted with surprise to Horner’s play, who once again demonstrates his ability to anticipate the market and bet on emerging talent.
In Argentina, the announcement has caused a true national euphoria. Colapinto would be the first Argentine pilot to compete regularly in Formula 1 from Gastón Mazzacane in 2000, and the first in decades to do so with a tip team. “It is a dream that comes true. I am grateful for trust and I will do my best to represent my country and the team well,” collapint said excitedly during a brief public appearance.
Although it has not been officially announced when it will start piloting for Red Bull, it is expected to do some private tests before the end of the current season and that its official debut is in the first race of the next championship.
Without a doubt, this movement completely shakes the F1 board and marks the beginning of a new era in Red Bull. The question now is: Can Franco Colapint be up to the expectations and train with Verstappen one of the most fearsome duplices in the history of sport? Time will say it, but the truth is that the entire world will be looking at.
