Franco Colapinto evaluates his debut with Williams F1, acknowledging the challenges while highlighting his pride in maximizing the opportunity.
Colapinto aims to end the year on a high note with Williams F1 before likely returning to a test driver role in 2025. Standing in for Logan Sargeant since Monza, he hopes to finish this season as strongly as possible.
“I want to finish the year on a high. I think the team deserves it. They’ve worked so hard throughout the year, especially over the last two races, but they deserve a good result and to end the year on a positive note,” said Colapinto.
“I think it’s very important for all of us. So yes, the last three races have been quite tough, but I’m sure we can bounce back stronger here and have a good weekend.”
He knows the Abu Dhabi circuit from his time in F2 and counts on the weekend format to prepare well for qualifying and the race: “It helps. Of course, having three practice sessions is already enough to try to fine-tune every detail.”
“But knowing the circuit will help me. It’ll be the first track I’m familiar with since Monza, so that’s definitely an advantage. And yes, let’s see how it goes. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Argentine reflects on his F1 debut since the Italian Grand Prix: “It was very exciting. It was my dream coming true. And since I started in Monza, I knew a lot had to happen, I had a lot to learn, and I needed to keep moving forward.”
“When you look at the big picture, things like this don’t happen often in F1. I think it’s a lot because you’re only as good as your last race. That’s how Formula 1 works.”
“Looking at the overall situation, I think I’ve done a good job. I’ve tried to maximize the opportunity Williams gave me. It was an incredible chance, and it’s something I respect a lot.”
“James and Sven, along with everyone on the team, trusted me enough to give me a seat and this opportunity. Yes, I think Vegas was quite tough. I made a big mistake trying to push for the final lap in qualifying, aiming to get the car into Q3.”
“Looking back, I think some errors could have been avoided, but considering the bigger picture and the experience, it was my dream come true. So yes, I’m very excited to see what the future holds.”
Asked about what makes him most proud of his current situation, Colapinto acknowledges that taking the step to become a Formula 1 driver is something truly special for him.
“I think becoming an F1 driver for these nine races has certainly been my greatest pride. There’s still a lot to improve and learn. Of course, nine races aren’t enough to reach my peak, and I continue to understand new things every time.”
“Every time I get in the car, I learn with the engineers and the mechanics. Thankfully, everyone on the team has been incredibly supportive in helping me quickly grasp most things, but there’s still a long way to go.”
The substitute driver admits he has faced challenging races, particularly in Brazil and Las Vegas. According to him, the learning curve was steep, and certain conditions cost him dearly.
“I think you can never predict what will happen. Even if you’ve watched F1 for years, being inside it is completely different. Looking back, I think I’ve enjoyed every moment, which is the most important thing. To be honest, it’s been an amazing experience. There are always highs and lows.”
“It was never going to be easy. The first five laps were very, very good. After that, I think Brazil presented another challenge, with the rain, with inters for the first time, and my first time in an F1 car in wet conditions. It was a tough experience, but, you know, as a rookie, I think I needed to go through those moments.”
“In Vegas, trying to get the car into Q3, I pushed to the limit and went slightly over it. And, yes, last weekend, I think it was quite challenging for the team. We struggled, starting with the car on an older specification. It was very difficult for us, especially on my side of the garage.”
“We made progress throughout the weekend, and the car improved. But I think starting with an old specification made things tough. That’s normal, though. It’s part of the sport. And now we come here with good expectations and the intention of having a strong weekend.”
Asked about his plans for 2025, he prefers not to address the rumors: “How could I know? It’s impossible. It’s very hard to predict. There’s still one race to go with Williams.”
“I’m really happy to be back in Abu Dhabi. It’s where I did a few laps last year after the race with Williams for the first time. So I’m very happy to return here, where it all began.”
“As for the rumors, I try to stay away from them. I’m focusing on enjoying the present moment. For now, this is my last race, so I’m trying to give my best for the team.”
“They’ve done an excellent job, and they deserve it. I still have one weekend left with Williams, so I’m just trying to enjoy this moment. We’ll see after the race what happens next year.”
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Colapinto Proud of Progress Amid ‘Challenging’ F1 Opportunity Colapinto Proud of Progress Amid ‘Challenging’ F1 Opportunity
