Franco Colapinto is making his debut as Formula 1 driver this weekend at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy.
The 21-year-old Argentinian was promoted from reserve driver to the Williams Racing F1 team earlier this week, replacing Logan Sargeant for the rest of the season.
His promotion marks the first time there will be an Argentine driver on the grid since Gastón Mazzacane, whose last race was in 2001.
Franco was in attendance at previews day on Thursday (August 29), where he dished on how he found out about his promotion, and talked about the upcoming race this weekend.
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“It was a complete rollercoaster,” Franco told the media. “It was insane, to be honest!”
“I was just with [my F2 team] MP [in the Netherlands] on Monday doing the preparation for the F2 race. I’d done the sim there all day, and then I had to fly in the evening to England to the Williams factory. It was already planned from many months ago,” he continued.
“It was there I realised I had a meeting with James [Vowles, Williams Team Principal] and with Sven [Smeets, Sporting Director]. They have been super supportive, not only today and not only here, giving me this chance and an amazing opportunity that I dreamt about years ago, also with the Silverstone Free Practice 1 in their home race,” Franco said. “I think it also prepared me a little bit more for this chance and I am just super grateful to race for the team. I am very comfortable and I am extremely happy to be here today. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
As for this weekend’s race, his first in Formula 1, he says he’s going to give it his all.
“I know what the team is expecting, and I know the targets and what their goal is. I’m going to try to achieve that together. As I said, I’m going to give my all to make them proud,” the driver shares. “Points or no points, I don’t really know. I’m focusing on myself, trying to go slowly and make this process as safe and as quick as I can.”
Prior to his Formula 1 race debut this weekend, Franco previously drove during a free practice session back in early July at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix.
If you missed it, two drivers are being promoted to Formula 1 for the 2025 season, and there is potential for a third!
