Argentinian Sensation Franco Colapinto's FP1 Debut: See Him Roar in Williams at Silverstone
Franco Colapinto is about to make a historic mark in Formula 1, and the excitement is palpable. The talented 21-year-old is set to drive for Williams during the British Grand Prix's first practice at Silverstone, becoming the first Argentine driver in almost two decades to grace an F1 race weekend. This opportunity is a culmination of his formidable performance in Formula 2 and his dedication as a member of the Williams Driver Academy.
Colapinto's rise through the ranks has been nothing short of stellar. His recent success in F2, which includes one win and two runner-up finishes in the last four rounds, has him sitting comfortably in fifth place in the standings. This impressive form has clearly caught the attention of the powers-that-be at Williams, who have granted him this coveted FP1 slot.
READ MORE: F2 racer Colapinto to drive Sargeant's Williams during first practice at Silverstone
“It's a mega opportunity, and I'm thrilled,” said Colapinto. “Every racing driver dreams of their first FP1. To have this chance and earn Williams' trust feels incredibly rewarding. Silverstone, known for its high-speed corners, is the perfect venue to debut in an F1 car.”
Colapinto isn’t just excited—he’s ready. This week, he’s been vigorously preparing at the Williams HQ in Grove, finetuning his skills in the simulator. He reminisces fondly about his past victories at Silverstone, particularly in F3 last year, and hopes to channel that triumph into his forthcoming session.
It’s going to be a whirlwind Friday for Colapinto. He kickstarts the day with F2 practice, followed shortly by his much-anticipated hour in the Williams F1 car, before hastily switching back to the F2 paddock for qualifying. “It’ll be nice to compare the F1 car to the F2 car immediately,” he muses. “It’s a fantastic challenge and an amazing opportunity.”
Colapinto’s journey in motorsport has been marked by constant growth and adaptation. His move to F2 this year was prefaced by an impressive fourth place in F3. Despite a slow start, a pivotal test in Barcelona set the stage for his subsequent successes, including a win at Imola. His recent consistent performance in the top-five qualifying rounds shows a driver hitting his stride.
Reflecting on his journey, Colapinto shared, “The initial expectations were high, and I tried big steps that sometimes didn’t pay off. Focusing on smaller, more precise steps has really helped me refine my approach and execution.”
Argentina has a rich history in F1, with legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Carlos Reutemann. However, it has been years since an Argentine driver participated in an F1 race weekend, the last being Gaston Mazzacane in 2001. Colapinto steps into these historical shoes with a blend of pride and hope.
“When I was young, I would have loved to support an Argentine driver in F1,” says Colapinto. “It's heartwarming to have so much support from my country.” He recalls the cheers from his fellow Argentinians at the Barcelona track and views the support not as a pressure, but as a source of pride and motivation.
For Colapinto, this Silverstone debut is not just a personal milestone; it's a momentous occasion for Argentine motorsport fans. “Receiving so much love from my country is special. It's a historic moment and I believe they will enjoy it a lot,” he adds with a smile.
As Friday approaches, the anticipation builds. Franco Colapinto's FP1 debut will undoubtedly be a fascinating watch, potentially paving the way for the next chapter in Argentina's storied F1 history.