Williams Racing unveils FW46 Academy Driver
Franco Colapinto, F2
The Formula 1 World Championship Season Launch Studio Shoot took place on 5th February 2024 in Grove, Wantage, England. Williams Racing Formula 1 Team introduced their new car, the FW46, during the event. Among those present was Academy Driver Franco Colapinto.
At the young age of 20, Colapinto had a busy schedule in Abu Dhabi last November. After a successful Formula 3 career that concluded with a remarkable Sprint victory at Monza earlier in the year, he made his debut in Formula 2 with MP Motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Following his F2 debut and the conclusion of the season, Colapinto had the opportunity to test the FW45. This experience allowed him to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Argentine driver Carlos Reutemann, who also drove for Williams F1. Colapinto described the feeling of getting behind the wheel as “unbelievable.”
“It’s a completely different sensation compared to anything else,” expressed Colapinto. “Unfortunately, Formula 2 is quite distant from Formula 1, as is Formula 3. They don’t really prepare you adequately for what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 car.”
“I believe I did a commendable job in terms of preparation because jumping straight into a Formula 1 car for the first time ever, in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by people who have driven that car during the weekend or have tested a F1 car before, was always going to be extremely challenging. Nevertheless, I performed well in Abu Dhabi, so it was a fantastic day for me.”
“It was a dream come true from the moment I left the garage. The feeling was indescribable.”
“The engineers provide you with some insight into what it’s like and how it feels to drive the car, as well as the physical demands it imposes. However, you can’t truly comprehend it until you actually experience it firsthand.”
“The sensations and emotions you experience while driving the fastest car in the world are simply unbelievable.”
“I enjoyed every single lap, every single corner. I truly savored the experience.”
“When I returned to the garage for the first time after the outing, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I’m here. I’m driving a Formula One car. I’ve made it.'”
“I was incredibly happy and tried to cherish every moment because you never know when it will happen again, of course.”
“Once you reach that point and achieve the dream you had as a young child, it no longer feels like a dream. It becomes a goal, something you strive for as you see it getting closer and closer.”
“So yes, it was an extraordinary day. I absolutely loved it.”
Colapinto will compete in the full season of Formula 2 as a newcomer in 2024 with MP Motorsport following a fourth-place finish in the previous year’s F3 standings.
In 2023, his second F3 campaign received support from Williams, as he was welcomed into the Grove-based team’s Driver Academy in January of that year.
Colapinto acknowledges Williams’ unwavering support and expresses his joy in being associated with a team that has such a rich history.
“I have gained invaluable knowledge since joining Williams. Their academy is truly exceptional, providing numerous opportunities for their drivers to develop and succeed.
“They have been incredibly supportive,” Colapinto remarked.
“I feel honored to be a part of Williams, a team that has an impressive legacy in Formula One.
“I am genuinely happy to be a member of the team and extremely grateful for the opportunity they have given me to drive a Formula One car, and for the trust placed in me by James [Vowles] and the entire team.
“The testing experience was truly remarkable, and as I mentioned earlier, it was a dream come true. I am overjoyed to be here and I hope that we can continue this journey together for many more years. Furthermore, I wish them a successful year.
“The car [FW46] looks promising for the 2024 season, and I hope they can make further progress this year.
“It was a fantastic 2023 for them, so let’s hope that both F2 and F1 go well this year.”
