Franco Colapinto, spoke to the media about his sudden promotion from Formula 2 to Formula 1. Replacing Logan Sargeant for the remainder of 2024, this unexpected opportunity marks a pivotal moment in Colapinto’s racing career.
Making it into Formula 1 is a tumultuous journey for any junior racing driver. Many driver’s give up living a normal teenage life to have a shot at achieving their dreams. This is no different for the latest driver on the F1 grid, Franco Colapinto, who was chosen to replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of 2024.
For Colapinto, the call-up is the something straight out of his dreams. “Since I was a young kid I was always dreaming of this coming true and happening,” he reflected. “And today, to have the opportunity to be here speaking to all of you, it’s a pleasure. And I am just extremely grateful to Williams for the opportunity.”
This weekend won’t be the Argentineans first time in an F1 car. He made his debut back in Silverstone and ever since has been “quietly working in the background”. Colapinto impressed the Williams team with his performance in Silverstone and believes that it was an important moment in securing his seat. “I did a good job there. They were very happy about the performance, and I think I was probably in their mind from before.”
Parting Ways with a Formula 2 Family
However, the F1 call-up was rather unexpected, and with a few races left in Formula 2, it was an emotional farwell. The Williams driver had been apart of the MP Motorsports family since 2020, building strong connections with many members of the team. However, working with the team was always to build up to Formula 1, and he had to take the opportunity when it arose.
“Of course, it’s very sad to not continue with them. They have been my family for so many years, since 2020 that we started racing together. And today I have to leave them. But you cannot choose when you get to Formula 1.”
Recognising Logan Sargeant’s efforts
Colapinto also acknowledged the cut-throat and brutal nature of Formula 1. Whilst he was promoted onto the Formula 1 grid, Logan Sargeant’s time at Williams and in turn Formula 1 came to an end. The American had an extremely difficult short run in Formula 1 that was acknowledged by his successor. “I understand it’s very sad for Logan, but I think he had a great time in F1, he did a very good job, and I hope he has a great performance in whatever he does next. He is a very good driver, I am sure he will do a good job,”
Colapinto will embark on a nine-race long stint in Formula 1 this weekend in Monza, he will be looking to impress not only Williams but any one looking for a driver in the coming seasons. But for now the 21-year-old is “very grateful to Williams for the once-in-a-lifetime chance” to live out a childhood dream.
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Featured Image credit: Williams Racing