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The returning Franco Colapinto is one of 26 drivers from Argentina to race in Formula 1 – but who is the best of them all? Here’s our top 10
At the Imola race this weekend, Franco Colapinto will be back on the Formula 1 grid. He was the 26th driver from Argentina to compete in a world championship F1 grand prix, making a surprise debut with Williams last year, marking the return of an Argentine driver since Gaston Mazzacane’s last race with Prost in 2001. Colapinto’s strong performances for Williams have already placed him as a top 10 contender, even before his debut for Alpine. Despite many early Argentine drivers participating in the world championship’s early days, Colapinto’s achievements stand out in the modern era of F1.
While ranking among the Argentine greats is still to be determined, there is no surprise number one contender. Prior to delving into the top 10, let’s acknowledge the 16 racers who did not make the cut. These include drivers like Alberto Crespo, Adolfo Schwelm Cruz, and Jesus Iglesias who made one-off appearances in their home grand prix without significant impact. Even those like Alfredo Pian and Juan Manuel Bordeu faced challenges in their F1 endeavors.
The Race Members’ Club on Patreon had early access to this detailed article. By signing up to Patreon, you can gain access to exclusive features, podcasts, and videos, with a limited-time 75% off your first month offer. Other drivers like Pablo Birger, Jorge Daponte, and Nasif Moises Estefano tried their hand in F1 with various outcomes, while names like Clemar Bucci left a mark in racing design. Ricardo Zunino’s journey to F1, originating from the British Aurora F1 series, adds another intriguing chapter to the Argentine legacy in motorsport.
