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Logan Sargeant will be replaced by one of Williams’ brightest prospects during the British Grand Prix weekend.
Colapinto has excelled so far in his first full season in F2 this year (Image Credit: @WilliamsRacing on X)Franco Colapinto, who currently competes for MP Motorsport in Formula 2, will sit behind the wheel of Sargeant’s FW46 for the first free practice session around Silverstone.
The Argentine youngster is fifth in the Drivers’ Standings in F2, ahead of fellow F1 prospects Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He achieved his first victory in the F1 feeder series at the Imola Sprint race.
This is not the first time that Colapinto has experienced driving an F1 car. Williams gave him the opportunity to take part in last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi, where he completed 65 laps and became the first Argentine to take part in an F1 event in over two decades.
Sargeant stepping aside for Colapinto fuels further speculation that 2024 could be the American’s last year in F1. It is no secret that Williams have been exploring their options as Sargeant’s contract expires at the end of the current season, with Antonelli and Carlos Sainz as potential candidates.
A very important moment
Colapinto couldn’t hide his excitement when speaking to Formula 2 media about stepping into an F1 car again. He said: “I have so many emotions… I am extremely delighted and it’s a very important moment in my life and my career.
“I will be the most prepared I can; I will be doing a lot of laps in the simulator and studying the details needed to drive this year’s car,” added Colapinto.
The 21-year-old thanked his fans from his home country for all the support he has received so far: “I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new car after driving last year’s in Abu Dhabi. To be able to drive it at a track like Silverstone is a privilege, it is one of my favourite tracks and to drive it at the team’s home race means a lot.
“To all the Argentine fans, I hope you enjoy FP1 as much as I’m going to! It’s an important moment for our country and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given. I’m going to give my all to make you proud!”
Colapinto will be hoping to make the best first impression possible as he looks to make his way into the pinnacle of open-wheel motorsport. Sargeant will be back in the seat for Williams for FP2 and will compete in the Grand Prix, commencing Sunday 7 July at 15:00 BST.
Feature Image Credit: @WilliamsRacing on X