Franco Colapinto joins Williams Racing for 2024 Formula 1 season

Williams Racing has confirmed the addition of Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The young Argentine driver will take Logan Sargeant's seat starting from the Italian Grand Prix, joining Alex Albon in the British team's lineup.

Franco Colapinto's journey in Formula 2

Franco Colapinto, 21 years old, has shown outstanding performance in his Formula 2 campaign, securing a victory in Imola and several podiums. This experience has earned him the confidence of the Williams team, which has decided to give him the opportunity to compete in Formula 1 sooner than expected. Colapinto will carry the number 43 on his car, becoming the second Argentine driver to compete for the British team, after Carlos Reutemann.

The return of an Argentine driver to Formula 1

With his debut at the Italian Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto will be the first Argentine to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 23 years. The last time an Argentine driver was on the grid was in 2001, when Gastón Mazzacane raced with the Prost team. Since then, no other Argentine has managed to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

Logan Sargeant leaves his seat at Williams Racing

The mid-season driver change is not a common decision, but Williams seeks to maximize its opportunities in the highly competitive midfield. According to team principal James Vowles, this move will allow the team to better capitalize on recent upgrades to their car. Logan Sargeant, who has been with Williams for the past two seasons, will be remembered for becoming the first American to score points in Formula 1 in 30 years. Despite leaving his seat, Sargeant will remain with the team and will receive the necessary support to continue his motorsport career.

Fan reaction to Franco Colapinto's arrival in F1

The announcement of Colapinto's entry into Formula 1 has not only been well received by the team but also by his fans in Argentina. The hashtag #FranColapintoaF1 became a worldwide trend on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), showing the great support and high expectations surrounding the young driver.