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.
Early in 2023, Colapinto enrolled in the Williams Racing Driver Academy. This year, at the British Grand Prix, he made his Formula One debut alongside the team, giving him a first taste of the FW46.
The 21-year-old, who had been competing in the F2 feeder championship for two seasons, was a race winner in several categories on the juvenile single-seater scene. He finished sixth in the 2024 standings after winning two races and placing second twice.
After Gaston Mazzacane’s final Formula One performances for Prost in 2001, he will be the first Argentine driver in the sport for 23 years. He will also be the second Argentine to drive for Williams, after fellow countryman Carlos Reutemann.
“To thank Logan Sargeant for his hard work and contribution over the past two seasons,” Williams said in a press release. “He will remain in the Williams family and we will support him to continue his racing career.”
It follows an especially difficult period for the American, who wrecked his modified Williams during the Dutch Grand Prix this past weekend, only a few weeks after it was announced that Carlos Sainz will take his spot in the lineup for the upcoming season.
Colapinto remarked of the announcement, “It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of.” I’m excited to be a part of the team’s incredible heritage and mission to return to the forefront.
“Entering the F1 mid-season will present a significant learning curve, but I’m up for the challenge and totally committed to putting in my best effort alongside Alex and the team to ensure success.”
“To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly,” Williams Team Principal James Vowles continued, “but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season.”
