Netflix Overlooks Rising Star Franco Colapinto as Fans Demand More Coverage
When Netflix released Season 7 of its hit Formula 1 documentary series Drive to Survive on May 7, 2025, many fans expected to see more of rising Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. After all, the cameras followed him through what was arguably one of the most pivotal stretches of his young career. Yet to the surprise—and frustration—of both Colapinto and his supporters, his on-screen presence amounted to mere seconds.
“I watched the Netflix series, and I didn’t even appear for 5 seconds,” Colapinto admitted in an interview, echoing the sentiments of many fans who anticipated a deeper look at his dramatic 2024 season. The omission is particularly glaring considering the milestones he achieved that year and the buzz surrounding his entry into Formula 1.
Colapinto’s ascent to the sport’s top tier came under dramatic circumstances. In mid-2024, the Williams F1 Team announced that he would replace Logan Sargeant for the final nine races of the season. With that decision, Colapinto made history as the first Argentine to compete in Formula 1 since Gastón Mazzacane over two decades ago. For a country with a proud motorsport legacy that includes legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann, Colapinto’s debut reignited national pride and drew international attention.
Despite the pressure of mid-season integration and the spotlight that came with his heritage, Colapinto proved more than capable. He delivered solid performances, with a standout moment coming at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where he secured a top-10 finish and earned his first championship points. His consistent pace, maturity under pressure, and strong technical feedback impressed both fans and insiders, many of whom began to regard him as one of the sport’s brightest emerging talents.
In early 2025, Colapinto took another strategic step forward in his career by signing with Alpine as a reserve and development driver. The move, while placing him on the sidelines for the time being, keeps him embedded within a competitive team environment and ready to seize an opportunity should one arise. His presence also creates a tense internal dynamic at Alpine, where Australian driver Jack Doohan is under increased scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances. Some insiders speculate that Colapinto could be in line for a full-time seat if Doohan fails to meet expectations in the 2025 season.
Despite these developments, Colapinto’s story received little attention in Drive to Survive—a series renowned for spotlighting high-stakes rivalries, behind-the-scenes drama, and underdog triumphs. Fans, particularly from Argentina and Latin America, have taken to social media to call for more visibility for Colapinto, emphasizing that his journey embodies the very themes the series aims to explore.
Netflix has yet to respond to the criticism or announce any plans for a standalone feature or extended coverage in future seasons. Still, the public interest is undeniable. Colapinto’s background, humble rise through the ranks, and the weight of representing an entire nation make him a compelling figure not just in motorsports but in global sports storytelling.
What’s next for Franco Colapinto remains to be seen, but if his current trajectory continues, Netflix may soon find it hard to ignore him. Whether it’s on the grid or on screen, Colapinto’s star is clearly on the rise, and his fans are watching closely—whether or not the cameras are.
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