SAO PAULO (AP) — Thanks to Franco Colapinto, Spanish can be heard all over the Brazilian Grand Prix. That's because thousands of Argentines have flocked to Interlagos to cheer their newest sports star in Formula 1. The charismatic Colapinto finished the Mexican GP last weekend in 12th position, out of the points positions.
But the 21-year-old Williams driver has earned five points since the Italian GP on Sept. 1, which was five points more than his predecessor Logan Sargeant managed all year. At least 10,000 Argentines have come to Sao Paulo, according to estimates by tourism agencies.
That is one sixth of those expected to attend the Interlagos track this weekend. Argentine supporters were already in the stands during Friday practice and sprint race qualifying, showing off the national colors on hats, flags and soccer T-shirts in hope of inspiring Colapinto, the only South American on the grid. “Franco, 46 million Argentinians are with you,” read one banner.
“Be strong.” Most Argentines have fading memories of watching five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio (1950-58) or Carlos Reutemann (1972-82) win races. Gastón Mazzacane (2000-01) was the most recent Argentine to drive until Colapinto arrived, and he didn't score a point.
Fashion designer Anna Rosatti, 52, has come to her first F1 grand prix because of Colapinto, and childhood memories of celebrating Argentine success on TV. “I used to watch Carlos Reutermann with my parents," she said. "Colapinto's story .
