Franco Colapinto to step up to Formula 1 with Williams for the rest of the 2024 season

Williams Racing have announced that Franco Colapinto will race for the team for the rest of the 2024 Formula 1 season, starting at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Colapinto, a member of the Williams Driver Academy, made his debut at an F1 race weekend for the Grove outfit earlier this year, getting behind the wheel of their FW46 at FP1 of the British Grand Prix.

This came after the Argentine had also driven for the British team at last year’s Abu Dhabi post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Colapinto, who had been sixth in the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship for MP Motorsport having won one race and achieved two further podium finishes, will now replace Logan Sargeant for the rest of the campaign, starting at Monza this weekend.

Speaking following the news of his promotion to the top tier with Williams, Colapinto called the opportunity an “honour”.

“It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of,” he said.

"The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of.

"Coming into F1 mid-season will be an enormous learning curve but I am up for the challenge, and I’m fully focused on working as hard as I can with Alex and the team to make it a success.”

Williams Team Principal James Vowles added: “To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season.

"We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle.

"We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco is getting a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of across the final nine rounds of the season.

"This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want to thank him for all his hard work and positive attitude.

"Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career for the future. I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.”