Williams Racing FW46 Academy Driver
Franco Colapinto (ARG), F2
Formula 1 World Championship, Season Launch Studio Shoot, 5th February 2024, Grove, Wantage, England
The Williams Racing Formula 1 Team revealed their new car, the FW46, on Monday. Among those present at the launch was Academy Driver Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto, a 20-year-old driver from Argentina, had an eventful time in Abu Dhabi last November. After concluding his Formula 3 career with a remarkable Sprint victory at Monza earlier in the year, he made his Formula 2 debut with MP Motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Following his F2 debut and the conclusion of the season, Colapinto had the opportunity to test the FW45, stepping into the driver’s seat of a Williams F1 car. He described the experience as “incredible” and unlike anything he had ever felt before.
“It’s a completely different sensation from anything else you can imagine,” Colapinto expressed. “Unfortunately, Formula 2 doesn’t adequately prepare you for the world of Formula 1. The same goes for Formula 3. So, it was challenging to make the transition straight into a Formula 1 car for the first time in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by people who have been driving or testing F1 cars before. But I believe I did a commendable job. It was a fantastic day for me.”
Driving a Formula 1 car had always been a dream for Colapinto, and finally getting behind the wheel was an indescribable feeling. “The engineers give you an idea of what it’s like and how it feels to drive, as well as the physical demands involved. But you truly understand it only when you experience it firsthand,” he explained.
“The sensations and emotions you experience when driving the fastest car in the world are unimaginable. I cherished every lap, every corner. It was an absolute joy,” Colapinto added.
“After my first outing, when I returned to the garage, I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m here, driving a Formula One car. I’ve made it.’ I was incredibly happy, trying to savor every moment because you never know when it will happen again.”
“Once you reach that dream you had as a young child, it stops being just a dream. It becomes a goal and a target because you see it getting closer and closer,” Colapinto reflected.
“So, yes, it was an extraordinary day. I absolutely loved it.”
Colapinto will compete in the upcoming Formula 2 season as a rookie in 2024 with MP Motorsport, following his impressive fourth-place finish in last year’s F3 standings.
In 2023, Colapinto participated in his second F3 campaign, receiving support from Williams. He was welcomed into the Driver Academy of the Grove-based team in January of that year.
Colapinto expresses his gratitude towards Williams for their unwavering support. He acknowledges the team’s rich history and considers their academy to be one of the best, providing ample opportunities for drivers to develop and grow.
The young driver appreciates the significant assistance he has received from Williams. Being a part of a Formula One team with such a profound legacy is an honor for him. He is genuinely thrilled to be a member of Williams and deeply appreciative of the opportunity they have given him to test a Formula One car. Colapinto expresses his gratitude towards James Vowles and the entire team for their trust.
Participating in the testing was a remarkable and surreal experience for Colapinto. It fulfilled a lifelong dream for him. He is extremely happy to be a part of the team and hopes to continue this journey with Williams for many years to come. Additionally, he wishes the team a successful year ahead.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Colapinto is impressed with the FW46 car’s appearance and hopes that Williams will take another step forward. He acknowledges that 2023 was a great year for the team and expresses his optimism for both his own F2 journey and Williams’ performance in F1 this year.