Franco Colapinto is set to take the wheel for Williams for the remainder of the F1 season, stepping in as Logan Sargeant’s replacement.
Williams has been mulling over a driver change, especially after a series of underwhelming performances from Sargeant, culminating in yet another high-speed crash during practice at the Dutch Grand Prix.
With Sargeant yet to secure a point this season and the latest incident damaging the team’s upgraded package, Williams team boss James Vowles has decided it’s time for a change.
Vowles spent the Zandvoort weekend in discussions with rival team bosses, exploring potential replacements for Sargeant. Among the early candidates were Mercedes reserve Mick Schumacher and Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson, with both teams expressing openness to a deal.
However, Williams ultimately decided to go in a different direction, choosing their Driver Academy talent, Franco Colapinto, as the best fit for the remainder of the season.
Speaking on the decision, Vowles shared, “Replacing a driver mid-season isn’t something we do lightly, but we believe this move gives Williams the best shot at competing for points as we head into the final stretch. We’ve just introduced a major upgrade to the car, and it’s crucial we make the most of every opportunity in what’s shaping up to be a very tight midfield battle. Investing in our young drivers has always been a priority, and this is a fantastic opportunity for Franco to show what he’s capable of over these last nine rounds.”
He added, “This decision is undoubtedly tough on Logan, who has given his all during his time with Williams. We’re grateful for his hard work and positive attitude, and we’ll continue to support him in his future racing career. Franco has shown great speed and potential, and we’re eager to see what he can achieve in Formula 1.”
Colapinto has made a name for himself in the junior categories, particularly during his two-year stint in F3, where he racked up four sprint race wins and finished fourth in the 2023 standings.
He moved up to F2 this year, facing initial struggles with the new 2024 machinery, but after an in-season test, he found his footing and became a regular contender at the front, securing a breakthrough victory in the Imola sprint race with a daring last-lap pass on title hopeful Paul Aron. He’s also notched up podium finishes in Austria and Spain, although a recent dip in form has seen him slip from championship contention. Currently, he sits sixth overall in the standings.
More importantly, Colapinto is no stranger to F1 machinery, having gained valuable experience with this year’s Williams car. He first tasted grand prix machinery during last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi and also took part in FP1 at this year’s British Grand Prix, standing in for Sargeant.
Expressing his excitement, Colapinto said, “It’s an absolute honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is a dream come true. The team has such a rich history and a clear mission to return to the front, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey. Stepping into F1 mid-season is going to be a steep learning curve, but I’m ready for the challenge. My focus is on working closely with Alex and the team to make this a successful stint.”
Photo Credits: Formula One Official Media