In an unexpected twist that has shaken the foundations of Formula 1, Apple CEO Tim Cook, known for his activism in defense of LGBT rights, has made an unprecedented offer to Argentine driver Franco Colapinto. According to sources close to the matter, Cook has proposed a $200 million sponsorship for the 2025 season, on the condition that Colapinto publicly campaigns in support of the LGBT community throughout his career and personal life. The news, which was leaked through specialized media, has generated a whirlwind of reactions in the world of motorsports.

Franco Colapinto, the 22-year-old who has burst onto the scene in F1 with his talent and charisma, was in the spotlight after his debut as a regular driver with Alpine at the Imola Grand Prix. His meteoric rise, backed by sponsors such as Mercado Libre and Globant, has made him a key figure for the future of the category. However, this offer from Cook adds a whole new dimension to his career.

Cook’s proposal reportedly includes not only a massive financial injection but also a strategic partnership with Apple to promote diversity and inclusion in sports. Tim Cook, who in 2014 became the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community. In a 2019 interview with  People , Cook expressed his commitment to using his platform to inspire others to live authentically. This offer to Colapinto appears to be an extension of that mission.

However, what has left the F1 community in shock was not the offer itself, but Colapinto’s response. During a press conference in Montreal, prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, the Argentine was questioned about the proposal. With his characteristic calm, Colapinto uttered a single sentence:  “My focus is on the track, not on the agenda .” The silence that followed was deafening. Some interpreted his words as a diplomatic refusal, while others saw them as a statement of principles, prioritizing his racing career over any external commitments.

Reactions were swift. On social media, fans were divided: some praised Colapinto for staying true to his core as a driver, while others criticized him for not taking advantage of the opportunity to support a social cause. For its part, Apple has not issued an official comment, but internal sources suggest that Cook respects the Argentine’s decision, although the offer remains on the table.

This episode raises broader questions about the intersection of sport, activism, and commercial interests. Should a young driver like Colapinto take on a social spokesperson role? Or should his priority be establishing himself in a series as competitive as F1? As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes are on Colapinto, not only for his performance on the track, but also for how he will navigate this delicate balance.

Formula 1, known for being a big business where sponsorships move billions, has never seen such a bold offer. Colapinto’s future, both on and off the track, promises to be as exciting as the races that have taken him to the top.