Franco Colapinto's backers are reportedly paying Williams $4.5 million—equivalent to $500,000 per race—for the Argentine rookie to immediately replace Logan Sargeant.
Red Bull is said to have declined the offer to place Liam Lawson in the seat, while Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports that Williams did not even engage in discussions with Mick Schumacher's camp. Mick's uncle, Ralf Schumacher, has criticized Williams' decision.
“You can perhaps respect this decision because Colapinto is a driver from Williams’ junior program,” Ralf Schumacher told DPA news agency. “But I think it is absurd and makes no sense from a performance perspective.
“I think the risk for the racing team and also the driver is much, much higher than if they had put someone with experience like Mick in,” he added.
Regarding the reported millions that Williams will receive from Colapinto’s financiers, Ralf Schumacher insists that "no amount in the world" can justify a decision based on anything other than driver performance.
“You also have to be fair and admit that it simply took Mick too long in his second season at Haas to find his feet and get his teammate under control,” Ralf added. “Formula 1 is unforgiving.”
Reports indicate that Franco Colapinto's funding is being provided by the Argentine Automobile Club, along with sponsors such as Mercado Libre, Globant, Quilmes, YPF, and others.
“Once again, Argentina is showing that it can compete with the best,” said Globant co-founder Guibert Englebienne. “We already knew it, now the world will know – Franco Colapinto, you’re a genius.”
Red Bull is said to have declined the offer to place Liam Lawson in the seat, while Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports that Williams did not even engage in discussions with Mick Schumacher's camp. Mick's uncle, Ralf Schumacher, has criticized Williams' decision.
“You can perhaps respect this decision because Colapinto is a driver from Williams’ junior program,” Ralf Schumacher told DPA news agency. “But I think it is absurd and makes no sense from a performance perspective.
“I think the risk for the racing team and also the driver is much, much higher than if they had put someone with experience like Mick in,” he added.
Regarding the reported millions that Williams will receive from Colapinto’s financiers, Ralf Schumacher insists that "no amount in the world" can justify a decision based on anything other than driver performance.
“You also have to be fair and admit that it simply took Mick too long in his second season at Haas to find his feet and get his teammate under control,” Ralf added. “Formula 1 is unforgiving.”
Reports indicate that Franco Colapinto's funding is being provided by the Argentine Automobile Club, along with sponsors such as Mercado Libre, Globant, Quilmes, YPF, and others.
“Once again, Argentina is showing that it can compete with the best,” said Globant co-founder Guibert Englebienne. “We already knew it, now the world will know – Franco Colapinto, you’re a genius.”
