Source – Planetf1.com
Franco Colapinto, an F2 racer and academy driver, will compete for Williams for the rest of the season, taking over for Logan Sargeant as Alex Albon’s teammate from the Italian Grand Prix.
Franco Colapinto is set to make a historic debut in Formula 1, stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams Racing for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 21-year-old Argentine, who joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy in early 2023, is no stranger to the world of motorsport, having carved out a name for himself in various junior single-seater categories. His journey to the pinnacle of motorsport has been marked by a series of impressive performances, including a race win and two second-place finishes in the 2024 F2 championship, where he currently holds sixth in the standings.
Colapinto’s rise within the Williams ranks has been swift. After joining the academy, he made his FP1 debut at this year’s British Grand Prix, where he got his first taste of the FW46, the car that will now be his to master as he steps onto the F1 grid. This move not only marks a significant milestone in Colapinto’s career but also a historic moment for Argentina, as he becomes the first Argentine driver to compete in Formula 1 in 23 years, following Gastón Mazzacane’s final appearance for Prost in 2001. Moreover, Colapinto will be the second Argentine to race for Williams, continuing the legacy of his compatriot Carlos Reutemann.
The decision to replace Logan Sargeant was not one Williams Racing took lightly. In their official statement, the team expressed gratitude for Sargeant’s dedication over the past two seasons, acknowledging the American driver’s efforts and contribution. Despite a challenging period, particularly highlighted by a crash during the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, Sargeant remains an integral part of the Williams family. The team has pledged its full support to help him continue his racing career, even as he prepares to make way for Carlos Sainz, who will take over the Williams seat next season.
For Colapinto, this opportunity is nothing short of a dream come true. “It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of,” Colapinto said in a statement. He expressed his excitement at joining a team with such a rich history and a clear mission to return to the front of the grid. However, he is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly given the mid-season timing of his debut. Yet, Colapinto is eager to dive into this new chapter, stating that he is ready to work hard alongside his new teammate Alex Albon and the entire Williams team to make this transition a success.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles shed light on the rationale behind this mid-season driver change. According to Vowles, the decision was driven by the team’s need to maximize every points-scoring opportunity as they battle in an intensely competitive midfield. The recent upgrade to the car further underscores the importance of having a driver who can extract the maximum performance from the FW46. Vowles also emphasized Williams’ commitment to nurturing young talent within their driver academy, and Colapinto’s promotion is a testament to that philosophy.
While this change may be tough on Sargeant, Vowles expressed confidence in Colapinto’s speed and potential. The team is eager to see what the young Argentine can achieve in the final nine rounds of the season, as he embarks on what could be a defining chapter in both his career and Williams Racing’s pursuit of success in Formula 1.
