F1 star forced into SHOCK retirement at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen, Franco Colapinto, Red Bull, Williams, Abu Dhabi, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

F1 star forced into SHOCK retirement at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

It's a heartbreaking end to the season for the driver

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson F1 Editor

Motorsport journalist covering F1 since 2024

Sunday 8 December 2024 15:17 Updated: 15:58

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The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has ended in heartbreaking fashion for one driver after he was forced into a shock mid-race retirement.

With the season-ending race in full swing, Williams driver Franco Colapinto has been forced to retire his car, with his team breaking the news to him on team radio.

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After a late gearbox change and a five-place grid penalty, Colapinto had started Sunday's race in P20, but after a solid start, was forced to call it quits on lap 28 due to a power unit issue.

With no seat secured for 2025, this could be the last time we see Colapinto in an F1 race for quite some time.

Franco Colapinto has retired from the Abu Dhabi GP

Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant after a big crash at the Dutch GP

Where will Franco Colapinto race in 2025?

Despite putting in some impressive performances at Williams, the team do not have a seat to offer the Argentinian driver for next season.

Prior to Colapinto replacing Logan Sargeant, Williams had already locked in their lineup for next season, with Carlos Sainz set to join following his Ferrari exit and lead the Grove-based outfit forward alongside Alex Albon.

At one stage, it had looked as though there were multiple options for Colapinto, though.

Red Bull were linked with a big offer for his services, for example, whilst Alpine were also reported to be interested in snapping up the Argentinian.

This interest, however, does appear to have cooled in recent weeks, with Colapinto involved in multiple incidents over the last few grands prix.

As such, at this stage, it remains unclear where the 21-year-old will drive next season.