Colapinto eager to learn in Monza "as much as" he can on his debut weekend
On the eve of his debut F1 race in Monza, Franco Colapinto insists that he will try to spend the opening practice sessions by trying to learn everything he can about the Grove-based FW46.
Following a very difficult weekend for Logan Sargeant at Zandvoort, Williams announced just days ahead of the Italian Grand Prix that Franco Colapinto will replace the American for the remainder of the 2024 F1 season, starting to compete from the Monza rond alongside Alex Albon.
Franco Colapinto is a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and made his FP1 debut in this year’s FW46 at the British Grand Prix. His F2 campaign this year has seen him secure a race win in Imola and podiums in the Barcelona and Austria Feature races, as well as seven further points-scoring outings.
The 21-year-old will become the 49th Grand Prix driver for Williams Racing, is the first Argentine driver in F1 for 23 years and the second Argentine to drive for the British outfit, following his countryman Carlos Reutemann.
Speaking ahead of his debut race, Colapinto added: I’m looking forward to my first full weekend in F1. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready to give it everything for this team.
"To be making my debut at the Temple of Speed is special with it being such an iconic track and one I’ve had success at it in the past. My aim is to take everything in, learn as much as possible and get up to speed from FP1 onwards. Hopefully we can have a positive weekend as a team.
His team-mate Alex Albon displayed encouraging pace at Zandvoort, qualifying inside the top ten, but a technical infringement led to a disqualification from the qualifying session. The London-born Thai driver is eager to enjoy a more successful weekend at Monza which has suited Williams' cars in recent years.
"Firstly, Logan has been a great team player for the past two years, and I know what he's capable of, so it's only a matter of time before he proves this to everyone in whatever he chooses to do next.
"Reflecting on Zandvoort, it was a tough weekend, and it's vital that, as a team, we address the processes that led to the disqualification while acknowledging the silver lining that the car was competitive. We have historically had a fast car in Monza, so I hope we can achieve a strong result and score some points."
Echoing Albon's words, Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets insists that the brutally fast Autodromo Nazionale di Monza should - on paper - suit the FW46 well.
"We are looking forward to racing in Monza as it is a unique track which should suit the FW46 well. We will be looking to score some points with Alex, whereas for Franco it will be a case of learning in every session and building up the confidence and speed ahead of Qualifying and the Race.
"The weather seems to be good all weekend with temperatures over 30°C which will make it a great event for the thousands of fans and a good closure of the European part of the Championship.
