Franco Colapinto will become the first Argentine racing driver to drive a Williams Formula One (F1) car in over 20 years. The 20-year-old will participate in the “Rookie Test” at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi in November, where he’ll take the wheel of the FW45 driven by Alexander Albon.

“I’m going to be driving the Williams F1 at the Rookie test in Abu Dhabi,” Colapinto announced on social media. “I’m indescribably happy just thinking that in a few weeks, I’ll be driving a Formula 1 for the first time. Thanks to Williams for this incredible opportunity.”

(1/2) ‼️Voy a estar manejando el F1 de @WilliamsRacing en el Rookie test de Abu Dhabi. No me entra tanta felicidad en el cuerpo de pensar que en unas semanas voy a estar manejando un Formula 1 por primera vez. Gracias a Williams por esta increíble oportunidad! pic.twitter.com/JfHkxYOGL4

— Franco Colapinto (@FranColapinto) November 1, 2023

Last week, Colapinto announced that he’ll be driving in Formula Two in 2024 for MP Motorsport. F2 is traditionally the last step before entering F1, with former stars like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, or Oscar Piastri now regulars in the top championship. 

“I hope you are as happy as I am. But there is still a long way to go. Let’s keep pushing,” Colapinto wrote. The Argentine has spent the last two seasons competing in Formula 3 finishing ninth last season. This season he’s added two wins and five podiums to finish in fourth.

The “Rookie Test” is a test for young drivers with F1 cars: since 2022, team racing drivers must annually give up their seats for two newcomers with less than two completed Grand Prix. Colapinto will take part along with his current teammate British Zak O’Sullivan. Colapinto joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy earlier this year and was able to test the F1 simulator that the team has at its England factory.

Williams’ sporting director, Sven Smeets, valued the maturity of the team’s young talents. 

“Both Zak and Franco have had impressive seasons in Formula 3 and we are now looking forward to giving them the opportunity to drive the FW45 in Abu Dhabi to help their development,” said the manager in the official statement.

The last Argentine to take the wheel of an F1 car was Gastón Mazzacane, who took part in four races in the 2001 season with Prost Acer. So far, 25 Argentine drivers have raced in Formula 1, with five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio standing out.

Williams Racing is one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, with nine Constructors’ Championships. However, it has been struggling for several years, currently standing seventh.