Colapinto “expected to be fast” in the Williams

Franco Colapinto has caused a sensation since arriving in Formula 1 to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams. After only three races in the discipline, the Argentinian has proven that he has all the makings of a very good future driver.

Despite all the media pressure linked to Sargeant’s ouster and all the expectations surrounding his performances, Colapinto adapted to the discipline like a fish to water, despite his lack of experience.

The Williams driver first found himself behind the wheel of an F1 car during end-of-season testing in Abu Dhabi in 2023 and made his Grand Prix debut during FP1 at Silverstone this year. Two months later, he became a starter by taking the seat alongside Alexander Albon.

Although he surprised many people with his results very close to those of his experienced teammate, something that his predecessor had not managed to do, Colapinto is not surprised by his performances.

“I know what I am capable of and I expected to be fast”declared the Argentinian to Motorsport.com during an interview in Singapore. “Even though I didn’t have much experience with the car, it was the team’s idea [de me faire monter en Formule 1]so I’m happy to help him.”

James Vowles, the director of Williams, himself explained that Colapinto’s abilities were impressive, but that these were obvious given the driver’s preparation and his many hours spent in the simulator at the start of the year. .

“I think we do a good job as a team”Colapinto explained about his learning process. “It’s difficult, there are a lot of things you can do in the car with the tools, and so many things you can change. But I learn every time I go to the track and I getting used to the car a little more, a little more to how I can extract the maximum performance from it, and it’s going well.”

“[Ma vie] has changed a lot [après avoir été titularisé en F1]. The day before, I was still racing in F2. It was a big step forward, for sure, a dream come true. I am very appreciative of this opportunity, and I know it will be difficult, but we are doing a great job as a team to put me through this rapid learning process. We already scored points in only my second race. It’s a dream to be able to work so well together as a team.”

On the occasion of the 2024 Goodwood Festival, Alex Albon, present at the event, was in turn able to speak about his teammate at the microphone of Motorsport.compraising his serenity of mind.

“He is a very fast and very relaxed driver”he admitted. “I think it was very natural for him to get into this discipline. Some drivers are quite tense and a little nervous. He doesn’t seem to feel that. He came in and was fast all the way. continued, even on very difficult circuits.”

Colapinto also sang the Thai’s praises, explaining that he had helped him a lot to adapt and that he was lucky to be able to learn from such an experienced driver: “Alex has helped me a lot since I arrived in Formula 1”he explained.

“Having a reference who, in my opinion, is one of the best on the grid, is really positive and it has helped me to take all these steps much faster since I arrived at Monza. Having such a teammate is a great way to start [en F1].”

However, despite his very good start in the discipline, Colapinto’s future in F1 does not seem to be written at Williams, at least not in 2025. Next year it will be Carlos Sainz who will take his place, under contract with the British team until 2026.

Vowles, however, wishes to keep his junior driver in the category and supports his candidacy for the Stake F1 seat, which has still not announced the driver who will support Nico Hülkenberg next season. Colapinto is grateful for the efforts of his director, who would like to find his way back to Williams in the future.

“I have no idea what I will do next year”he said. “Of course, it’s very exciting that James wants to keep me in F1, and that’s something I’m grateful for. In F1 there are a lot of things to be aware of, and a lot of details that are difficult . And he helped me master them. He’s the one who helped me realize this dream.”

“I want to stay at Williams, I love this team and I love the way they work. I think you have to be grateful and they are the first to give me the opportunity to be in an F1 car. I would like to have an opportunity in the future with this team. If not, I have no idea what options are available to me, but my plan is to stay on the team. have invested a lot in me since I was in the junior categories, and I am grateful to them.”

“I try to do my best and focus on myself”he concluded. “The results are starting to come in, which is very positive, so let’s see what we can do in the next rounds. I think there are some good races ahead for us.”

Avec Filip Cleeren, Ronald Volding and Carlos Costa