In a surprising twist at Silverstone, Logan Sargeant will hand over his cockpit for the first practice session, giving Franco Colapinto—a rising star in motorsport—a chance to shine.
Williams is fulfilling their rookie driver requirement by allowing Franco Colapinto to participate in the FP1 session this weekend. Colapinto, who has demonstrated significant potential in his debut F2 season, is currently ranked fifth in the standings. His impressive performances include a race victory at Imola and podium finishes in Barcelona and Austria. This opportunity marks an important milestone for Argentina, a country with a rich F1 heritage that hasn’t seen representation since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001.
Logan Sargeant, unfortunately, will have to postpone his prospects of bouncing back after his last-place finish in Austria, as he steps aside for Colapinto. Williams, like other teams, is mandated to incorporate rookie drivers into at least two FP1 sessions throughout the season. With Colapinto’s growing achievements in F2, this decision aligns with the team’s strategy of nurturing young talent.
Colapinto’s journey in racing has been noteworthy. After an impressive run in FIA F3, where he secured two wins including one at Silverstone, and several podiums leading to a fourth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship, he has transitioned seamlessly into F2. This FP1 session will not be his first time in an F1 car, as he previously participated in a young driver test in Abu Dhabi.
Expressing his excitement, Colapinto shared, ‘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.’ His anticipation is palpable, especially at a venue as iconic as Silverstone, which also marks the home race for his team, Williams.
Williams’ sporting director, Sven Smeets, remarked on Colapinto’s progress, emphasizing that rewarding his achievements with an FP1 session is a testament to his hard work over the past two years. Highlighting the significance of showcasing their talent at Silverstone, Smeets expressed pride in their academy drivers’ growth and development. Following the FP1 session, Sargeant will resume his role for the remainder of the weekend.
Silverstone’s FP1 session heralds a new chapter for Franco Colapinto and Williams, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent in motorsport. With Argentina cheering him on, his debut at such a historic track adds another layer of excitement to this year’s British Grand Prix.
