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Williams Racing has announced major changes to its driver line-up for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The team has decided to replace American driver Logan Sargeant with Franco Colapinto, a promising young talent from Argentina.
The decision comes after Sargeant’s disappointing showing at Zandvoort, where he crashed his heavily upgraded car during FP3 at the Dutch GP.
The car is fitted with a valuable new aero package, which is Williams’ first major update of the season.
Colapinto will make his debut at the Italian Grand Prix
Colapinto, a 21-year-old Argentine driver from the Williams driver academy, will make his debut alongside Alex Albon at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The young driver has shown great promise in F2 this year, securing victory at Imola.
His promotion to Formula One comes as Sargeant’s struggles continue, with the American only scoring one point for Williams at last year’s US Grand Prix.
Williams Racing’s strategy for the remainder of the F1 season
Williams boss James Vowles admitted changing drivers mid-season was challenging, but stressed the move was aimed at maximising Williams’ chances of scoring points in the remaining races.
“We’ve just made a big upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in what is a very tight midfield battle,” said Vowles.
Despite his replacement, Sargeant will remain part of the Williams Racing team.
Colapinto’s journey and prospects in F1
Colapinto, the first Argentine in Formula One in 23 years, had previously taken part in first practice at Silverstone before the summer break.
Vowles expressed his confidence in the young rider’s abilities, stating, “Franco has a fantastic opportunity to show his abilities in the final nine rounds of the season.”
He added that they were eager to see Colapinto’s achievements in Formula One.
A glimpse of his career
Colapinto joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy at the start of 2023 and made his FP1 debut at this year’s British GP, gaining his first experience with the FW46.
The 21-year-old is entering his second F2 season, sitting sixth in the 2024 standings with one win and two second-place finishes.
He will be the first Argentine driver in F1 in 23 years, since Gaston Mazzacane’s last appearance with Prost in 2001, and the second Argentine to drive for Williams.
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