Top firms in Argentina backing F1 rookie Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto, the 21-year-old thrown in by Williams Racing to compete in the last nine races of the Formula 1 season, made his debut in the Italian Grand Prix, at the Monza circuit last weekend.

The Pilar-born driver, a fan of football giants Boca Juniors, has arrived at the top of motor-racing after an impressive development at youth level. In the Formula 2 championship, from which he was promoted, Colapinto was ranked sixth before being called up by Williams to compete in the top tier.

Throughout his time in racing, the Argentine rookie – who started out in karting – has had the support of some of his nation’s biggest companies. Among them, domestic giants such as Globant, YPF and Quilmes.

The firms have played a key role in Colapinto’s rise, providing financial and logistical support and the driver has said he is proud to represent his country on a global scale.

Globant
Argentine tech unicorn has sponsored Colapinto throughout his career. Martín Migoya, Globant’s co-founder and CEO, has expressed his excitement at seeing the youngster compete in F1. The software company’s branding has been featured on the side of Colapinto’s car regularly. Globant, which describes itself as a “digital transformation” firm, is deepening its relationship with F1 and the driver.
YPF
Argentina’s state-owned oil company had its logo on part of Colapinto’s MP Motorsport car in F2. YPF says its commitment to “excellence and innovation” is reflected in its partnership with Colapinto.
Cervecería Quilmes
Quilmes, which has a long history of backing the nation’s sportsmen and women, has sponsored Colapinto and his vehicle via Quilmes Cero, a non-alcoholic beer. Advertising for alcoholic beverages, like cigarettes, is prohibited in F1.
Flybondi
Low-cost airline Flybondi placed its logo on the front wing of Colapinto's F2 car. Colapinto has expressed his pride in representing his country on a global level through the backing of domestic firms.
Bigbox
The logo of the online gift company has been on the back of Colapinto's car. Gastón Parisier, the co-founder of Bigbox, says the Argentine driver’s rise to F1 inspired him to get involved.
Celulosa Argentina
Domestic paper mill, with plants in Capitán Bermúdez and Zárate, has sponsored Colapinto since this year, featuring its logo on the front of his F2 car.