Fernando Romero Nuñez 
Argentine race driver Franco Colapinto announced on Monday that he’ll be making an official debut in a Formula One (F1) race weekend. It’s the second time the 21-year-old Pilar native will sit behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, after taking part in the “Rookie Test” at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit in November.
Colapinto will run in the Free Practice 1 at the upcoming British Grand Prix on Friday, although he won’t be driving in the race on Sunday.
“I’m extremely happy, I’m going to enjoy this because it’s an opportunity I’ve been waiting for a long time,” said Colapinto in a video released by the team on X. He added he’s thrilled to have the opportunity to race an F1 car at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix takes place, which he called “one of the most beautiful and fastest tracks there is.”
“It’s a big moment for me and my career, for all the people who support me and for all Argentines. I hope you can enjoy it as much as I will,” said the Argentine driver.
Since 2023, Colapinto has been part of the Williams Driver Academy — the team’s initiative to promote talent in different racing series — and with the “Rookie Test,” became the first Argentine motorist to drive an F1 car in over 20 years.
“Franco has had a very encouraging start to his debut season in F2 and we are delighted to reward his performances over the past two years with his first FP1 session,” said Williams sporting director Sven Smeets on the team’s announcement.
Colapinto is enjoying a standout debut season with MP Motorsport in Formula 2, the development series for F1. So far, he’s achieved three podium finishes, including a win in the first race at Imola in May. Ahead of the British GP weekend, he’s in fifth place in the F2 championship with 75 points. He’s the third-best among rookie drivers with a 13-point lead on teammate Dennis Hauger.
He will replace former Williams Driver Academy graduate, U.S. driver Logan Sargeant, who has yet to score any points in the current season, but it’s not expected Colapinto will take his place in the foreseeable future.
