P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Colapinto has said the Stake seat, now claimed by Gabriel Bortoleto, was never a realistic option for him to continue his F1 career in.
Franco Colapinto has clarified that he was never truly in the running for the Stake F1 seat occupied by Gabriel Bortoleto next season. Despite speculation, he was not in contention for the drive, which went to Bortoleto over other possible candidates. Colapinto, after finishing P14 in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, may potentially find a new home in the Red Bull family, potentially racing alongside Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda at RB. Partnering Nico Hulkenberg at Stake was never a realistic option for Colapinto, who is regarded as a promising young driver with potential for a full-time F1 drive in the future. While missing out on the Stake seat is disappointing, Colapinto remains open to short-term opportunities and aims to continue racing with an eye towards future F1 prospects. Despite any disappointment, he acknowledges that Bortoleto “deserves” the F1 seat and accepts that some doors may close while others open in the ever-changing world of motorsport.
