Colapinto makes FP1 debut at the British Grand Prix with Williams Racing
Colapinto makes a huge step towards his F1 dream this weekend. The Argentinian FIA F2 driver will take part in the opening Formula 1 Free Practice session at Silverstone, taking the wheel of Williams Racing’s FW46.
Hot on the heels of his remarkable podium-finishing performance last weekend at the FIA F2 Feature Race in Austria, Colapinto was supposed to prepare for the final leg of the triple-header as usual, however, the MP Motorsport driver’s schedule for the British Grand Prix just got a whole lot busier. Besides his F2 duties, Franco will also drive a Formula 1 car, sharing the track with the drivers of the 2024 Formula 1 grid.
Colapinto joined Williams Racing’s Driver Academy in 2023 and enjoyed the special benefits of being part of a Formula 1 team ever since. He accompanied the iconic British outfit at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix to experience a full weekend as a member of the team, took part in PR events and has utilised the simulator at Grove on many occasions.
Franco first sampled an F1 car last year at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test, and ran 65 laps in Williams Racing’s FW45, enough to apply for the F1 Super Licence, the license required to take part in an official F1 session on a Grand Prix weekend. This is the next big step of his single-seater career, one all young drivers are waiting for, to drive a Formula 1 car pitching himself against some of the best drivers in the world.
Colapinto, 21, is set to take the wheel of Logan Sargeant’s car and becomes the first of his nation since Gaston Mazzacane more than 23 years ago to take part in an official F1 session, making Franco’s special moment a historic day for Argentinian motorsport. The icing on the cake is the location. Franco gets to drive the Williams Racing car at Silverstone, the team’s home track, the birthplace of Formula 1 and one of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar.
Franco Colapinto:
“I am still keep pinching myself to make sure it’s really happening. One moment I am driving my F2 car, and the next minute I am told I get to take part in an F1 weekend. It is a dream come true and being able to do it in Silverstone makes it even more special. It’s not only the home race of Williams Racing, but also one of the greatest track to drive any car, let alone one the fastest race cars in the world. I am extremely happy and grateful to Williams for this opportunity, allowing me to take the wheel in only my second year in the Academy and my first season in F2. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me to realise this dream: my managers, my partners: Globant, YPF, GMC Securities, Celulosa Argentina, Bigbox, Quilmes, Ripio, Green Armor, Flybondi, ACA and all my fans in Argentina who have been supporting me as one."
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Williams Racing:
“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. We are proud of our talented group of drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy and it is important for us to give them the opportunity to progress and have these important chances as they move up the ladder. 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.’
Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024
Friday, 5 July - Free Practice 1: 12-30 - 13:30 BST