Colapinto Gets Debut Fp1 Outing At British Gp With Williams F1 Team

Argentine emerging talent Sargeant's replacement for Silverstone FP1 is a reward for his improvement in his first F2 season.

This weekend at the British Grand Prix, Williams' official Formula 1 practice debut will be made by Formula 2 racer Franco Colapinto, who will take Logan Sargeant's place in first practice.

Sven Smeets, sports director of Williams, described Colapinto's call-up as a "reward" for his strong start to his F2 rookie season.

The 21-year-old Argentine, who attends the Williams Racing Driver Academy, is presently in fifth place with MP Motorsport following his first-ever sprint win at Imola and his runner-up results in the Barcelona and Red Bull Ring feature races.

"We are happy to reward Franco's performances over the past two years with his first FP1 session as he has had a very encouraging start to his debut season in F2," Smeets stated.

"We are pleased with the excellent drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and we think it's critical to provide them with these crucial opportunities as they advance in the ranks.

"To showcase our talent at our home race at Silverstone is a nice moment and, of course, this is going to be a great day for the Argentine F1 fans."

After two successful seasons winning races in Formula 3, Colapinto moved up to Formula 2 and finished fourth in the standings the previous year.

Alongside former Williams F1 racer Nyck de Vries and Roman Rusinov at Paul Ricard, he won the 2021 European Le Mans Series. He also has expertise in sportscar racing.

At the Abu Dhabi young driver test, he sampled the team's 2023 FW45, giving him his first taste of Formula One equipment.

In light of Sargeant's uncertain future with the club, Williams is presently considering his choices for a 2025 partner, Alexander Albon.

It has undertaken talks with Esteban Ocon and its former driver, Valtteri Bottas, after expressing a desire for a proven F1 race winner. Carlos Sainz is now considering his options, which include returning to Alpine or joining the Sauber team that will become Audi in 2026.

"I feel like I'm so emotional," Colapinto remarked.

"I am overjoyed, and this is a pivotal time for both my profession and my life.

"I'll be as prepared as I can be; I'll be studying the information required to operate this year's vehicle and putting in a lot of laps in the simulator.

"After driving the new automobile in Abu Dhabi last year, I'm definitely looking forward to driving the new one. It is a joy to be able to drive it at one of my favorite circuits, Silverstone, and it means a lot to be able to drive it in the team's home event.

"I hope all of the Argentine fans have as much fun with Formula One as I will!

"This is a crucial time for our nation, and I am really appreciative of all the help I've received. I'm going to do all in my power to please you!

At Silverstone on Friday, the 21-year-old Argentine driver will have a full schedule. He will drive in Formula 2 practice in the morning and the first F1 practice session, which lasts an hour, at 12:30. He will be able to recover for a little more than an hour and a half before competing in F2 qualifying.

In January 2023, Colapinto signed a contract with Williams for the team's young driver development program. At the end of the previous year, he drove for the team in Yas Marina Circuit post-season testing to earn his maiden Formula One mileage.

"I continue to pinch myself to confirm that this is indeed occurring. Colapinto spoke about this weekend's FP1 call-up, saying, "One minute I am driving my F2 car, and the next minute I am told I get to take part in an F1 weekend."

Read Also: McLaren faces major low-speed test in F1 Canada GP

It's a dream come true, and the fact that Silverstone is the venue for it adds to its specialness. Not only is it Williams' home race, but it's also one of the best courses in the world to drive a car on, much alone one of the quickest race cars ever made. I am overjoyed and really appreciative to Williams for giving me the chance to drive in just my second season in Formula Two and my second year at the Academy.

With one victory, Colapinto is now ranked fifth in the 2024 Formula 2 standings after finishing fourth in the FIA Formula 3 Championship the previous year. In the second division of single-seater racing, he is one of three Williams juniors. Jamie Chadwick races in Indy Nxt, while Zak O'Sullivan participates in F2.

Williams' sports director Sven Smeets stated, "Franco has had a very encouraging start to his debut season in F2, and we are delighted to reward his performances over the past two years with his first FP1 session."