Stardom in Argentina is a unique cultural phenomenon, particularly for the country’s professional athletes. In a nation where sport is debated as passionately as politics and world affairs, one is more likely to be polarizing than universally admired. Which is why the story of rising Formula 1 star Franco Colapinto is unique.
Advertisement The 21-year-old Argentine replaced Williams’ American driver Logan Sargeant in August. Since then, Colapinto has experienced a constant whirlwind as one of F1 ’s most popular newcomers. His best finish was eighth place at September’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He was the first South American in F1 history to finish in the top 12 in his first three races. But even a casual observer of F1 knows that Colapinto is still many miles away from breaking into its aristocracy. In Argentina, that matters not.
Colapinto is flying the Argentina flag in one of world sport’s most visible arenas. He has captivated the nation within a few months. His youthful personality and approachability as a sought-after public figure have endeared him to his countrymen and women, who don’t always appreciate their idols.
Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are both Argentine football royalty but took wildly different paths to kingship. Maradona was a diamond in the rough, unearthed from the humble Buenos Aires neighborhood of Villa Fiorito. A people’s champion from an early age, the brash and unapologetically outspoken Maradona would go from phenom to deity in Arg.
