The former driver celebrated the young man's impact on F1 and questioned colleagues who criticize that his current success overshadows the local scene, as well as journalists who 'speak freely and negatively'
The leap of Franco Colapinto to Formula 1 not only revolutionized fans of Argentine motorsport, but also sparked debates within the sport and in the media.
The rise of the Argentine driver has sparked hopes, but also reservations among some journalists and local leadership. In this context, Juan Cruz Álvarez, former Formula Renault driver and a figure in national motorsport, publicly came out in support of Colapinto and targeted certain sectors that, according to him, criticize without foundation.
Impact on national motorsport
Álvarez emphasized that Colapinto's emergence shouldn't be seen as a threat, but as an opportunity to strengthen the entire sport:
"National motorsport has been overshadowed by Franco's arrival in Formula 1, because the audience is obviously more interested in following Franco than in watching national motorsport," he acknowledged.
Colapinto está opacando al resto del automovilismo nacional
"I see that there is some kind of reservation or resentment or there is a clear directive for certain people to ignore the topic of Franco or, if possible, to highlight his mistakes more than his achievements. However, this is the way the organization and the leaders of local motorsport choose to operate, which I don't agree with at all, but it is what it is, that's the reality," he added.
For the former driver, the true importance lies in the inspiring effect that Colapinto has on younger generations: "Today there are many more children aged 8, 9, 10 (years old) who want to become drivers thanks to Franco Colapinto... So I believe that today this boosts the sport and I think that's the right way to see it."
Criticism of journalists
Meanwhile, Álvarez was harsh with some TN journalists, whom he accused of criticizing without truly understanding the reality of motorsport.
"I choose to speak with you because I know that in this segment of the channel you've given Franco a lot of support... However, there are many other segments within the channel that speak for free and speak badly of Franco and attack him without reason," he commented.
"There are several journalists or pseudo-journalists who are in various segments of your channel who say that Franco doesn't have what it takes, he has no talent..., they have no idea," he pointed out.
In his view, these criticisms are not only unfair, but end up fueling rumors or creating obstacles for a driver who is showing a remarkable level: "I believe that it reflects poorly, they're attacking him in the wrong way and creating problems where there are none," he concluded.
