With its jagged peaks, panoramic views and turquoise waters, the island of Majorca is nothing short of a “cycling paradise,” according to Franco Colapinto.

A blend of rugged natural beauty, charming villages and sun-drenched Mediterranean weather, its scenic roads are a haven for cyclists — and a firm favourite of BWT Formula One Team’s Argentine racer.

Whether it’s a winter training camp or a summer escape between races, Majorca is Franco’s go-to destination in Europe and conveniently close to his home in Monaco. While on the island, the 23-year-old hits the road with his trainer, soaking up the stunning vistas while pushing hard on the hilly switchbacks. Perhaps it’s the resemblance to parts of his Argentinian homeland that makes the island feel so special.

Growing up in Argentina

Born in Buenos Aires in the spring of 2003, Franco didn’t grow up in the bustling heart of the capital, but around 50km northwest, in a town called Pilar. Surrounded by friends and family, the area offered a more relaxed lifestyle — a contrast to the high-paced urban sprawl of downtown. And like many kids growing up in South America, Franco played football when he was young. The devoted Boca Juniors fan remembers playing the game every day with friends.

“At school, we’d be counting down to the lunch break just to get out and play football,” he recalls. “It’s really common in Argentina and I think that’s why our national team is so strong. We start from a very young age; it’s a big part of the culture. But for me, I went in a different direction.”

That direction was motorsport. Introduced to karting by his father — himself a former bike and car racer — Franco was quickly captivated by all things mechanical.

“I loved go-karts, Formula One, even the Dakar Rally,” he says. “I had a quad bike when I was young and I always loved anything that had an engine and wheels.”

Favouring engineering over humanities at college, Franco showed an aptitude for technical understanding as well as raw driving talent. In 2018, he moved to Spain to make the transition into single-seaters, and just a year later, he clinched the F4 championship. His ascent since then has been rapid, climbing the ranks of junior formulae before making his Formula 1 debut in 2024.

Friendship in music

Having shown his regular support for Franco, one of his closest friends is Bizarrap (also known as BZRP), the Argentine DJ and songwriter from Ramos Mejía, not far from Franco’s hometown of Pilar. Known for his genre-defying work in hip-hop, trap and electronic music, BZRP is described by Apple Music as a “dance-music titan, coupling internet-breaking collaborations with genre-warping blasts of trap and electro.”

“He’s a good friend of mine and probably the best in Argentina at what he does,” says Franco. “He’s quite an inspiration. His story — how he got to where he is now — is really impressive. He’s made a huge effort and I admire how he’s reached the top.”

While he no longer strums the guitar, music plays a big role in Franco’s life, especially during long journeys across the globe as part of the Formula 1 calendar. It’s a source of entertainment on the road and he’s proud that today he counts many musicians, including Bizarrap among his close friends.

“I’ve seen him perform live a number of times — in Argentina, and also in Madrid. He came to support me at the Mexican Grand Prix last year. It’s amazing — I go to the shows, and he comes to watch me race. We support each other, and that means a lot.”

Franco smiles when he talks about his evolving music taste and how he’s introduced some of his playlists to fellow members of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.

“Music really sets the vibe — and when you travel as much as I do, it’s something that’s always with you. Lately, I’ve been listening to some older tracks that aren’t played as much anymore. Some of the music from Argentina has a really chilled, mellow feel to it, and I love that.”

Despite a growing fanbase that follows him around the world, Franco remains grounded. He admits that the gifts and keepsakes from fans — often handmade bracelets — are something that he treasures.

“I don’t know if it counts as collecting, but I like to keep the presents fans give me,” he says. “They mean a lot.”

The taste of success

When he’s not jet-setting around the world, he’s based himself in Monte Carlo — the glamorous Principality on the Côte d’Azur that many F1 drivers call home. It’s where he trains, cycles, and sometimes bumps into fellow competitors in town or out on the roads climbing into the surrounding hills. And when the subject of food comes up, Franco can’t help but smile.

“I love Italian food. Actually, I love flour — well, what I mean is, I love foods that are made with flour, like pasta, pizza — even bread and croissants. I don’t mean I like eating a cup of flour!” he says, laughing. "But when I’m back in Argentina, it’s all about barbecue. There’s nothing like the meat at home. In Europe, it’s hard to find a proper steak. If I go somewhere and the meat isn’t up to scratch, I get disappointed. Back home, I eat meat every day — so maybe it’s a good thing I take a break from it now and then…”

Whether he’s cycling through the sun-soaked hills of Majorca, sharing music with friends or chasing success behind the wheel, Franco is fully embracing life on the global stage. He remains grounded and grateful for the journey he’s on, which began in a small town on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Today, he stands as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents, with a bright future ahead, recently announcing his continuation with the team in 2027.