A few months before the start of a new Formula 1 season, Sergio "Checo" Pérez once again put the spotlight on Franco Colapinto. On the eve of his return to the category with the Cadillac team, the Mexican driver strongly praised the Argentine and said he was struck by the massive support he receives from the fans.
The statements were made during his appearance on Cracks Podcast, where Pérez spoke after his year away from the top category. In that context, he devoted some time to analyzing Colapinto's growth and the support that surrounded him during a difficult year.
"I'm impressed with the Argentine fans, how they support Franco," said the Mexican, who didn't hold back praise for the 22-year-old driver. "He's a fantastic driver," he added when referring to the level he has shown since his debut with Williams in 2024 and his subsequent move to Alpine in 2025.
Pérez also used the comparison to make a self-criticism about the relationship between Mexican athletes and their public. "He has his entire country supporting him. I think it's something that (Mexicans) really have to learn from," he stated. In the same vein, he went into more detail: "As a country it's something we have to improve a lot. We have to support our athletes in good times and in bad times."
