Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who scored his first points in only his second Formula 1 race, "deserves a seat" in the top competition, whether at his current team, Williams, or elsewhere, said British team principal James Vowles on Monday.

In an interview with the specialized outlet Motorsport.com, Vowles stated that what he truly hopes for in 2025 is that Colapinto "will definitely be racing" and "ideally in Formula 1." As a result, he mentioned the possibility of negotiating with Audi for the Pilar-born driver (Buenos Aires province) to race for Sauber next year.

Colapinto, 21, is competing in the last nine Grands Prix of the 2024 F1 season with Williams following the sudden departure of American driver Logan Sargeant from the team. After catching attention on Saturday by reaching Q3 and securing ninth place on the starting grid for Sunday’s race, he finished eighth, scoring four points – the first points for Argentina in 42 years, since Carlos Reutemann’s sixth-place finish at the 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix.

"In two races, he has shown the world that he deserves a Formula 1 seat. I’ve always firmly believed in letting talented drivers race. So, we'll see if we can find a way to work with Audi in that scenario for next year," Vowles asserted.

Vowles noted that in 2025, Williams will have its "correct lineup" with Thai driver Alex Albon, the current lead driver, and Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who will join from Ferrari next year. He also believes the team is becoming "world championship material."

"But I’m incredibly proud, like a father, of what Franco has achieved, and I want him to succeed. The right way for him to come back to Williams and perform well is by ensuring he’s building his career. It’s as simple as that," he added.

The German car manufacturer Audi confirmed in March that it had purchased the Sauber team, with plans to compete in Formula 1 in 2026, with German driver Nico Hulkenberg as their first driver. Colapinto made his F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix, held at the Monza circuit on September 1st, where he finished 12th.