Barring one thing surprising, this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be the final System 1 race for Franco Colapinto, not less than for some time.
Colapinto exploded on the F1 scene following a surprising mid-season promotion at Williams, because the group slid him right into a seat alongside Alexander Albon, rather than Logan Sargeant. Colapinto responded with a string of sturdy performances together with factors in his second F1 race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and was quickly linked with full-time spots at each Sauber and probably Crimson Bull.
Nevertheless, Sauber ultimately introduced that Gabriel Bortoleto can be driving for them alongside Nico Hülkenberg, and rumors of a surprising transfer to Crimson Bull have been dispelled in current days. That implies that Sunday’s Grand Prix will mark his remaining F1 race, not less than till he earns an anticipated promotion sooner or later.
Within the group’s media preview of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Colapinto thanked Williams for a “dream come true.”
“As we head into the ultimate race of the season, I’d prefer to thank the complete group for this unimaginable alternative and for all their help throughout these 9 races. It’s been a dream come true to race in System 1 with Williams. I’ll be making an attempt my hardest to finish the season on a excessive for the group trackside and again on the manufacturing unit,” mentioned Colapinto within the Williams media preview. “Everybody at Williams has given their all all through the season and their onerous work doesn’t go unnoticed. The intention in Abu Dhabi is to have a clear weekend, construct up all through the periods and [maximize] our efficiency.”
Colapinto isn’t the one younger driver who will swimsuit up for Williams this weekend. Luke Browning will take part in FP1 as a part of the game’s mandated rookie driver periods. Browning is a member of the group’s Driver Academy, completed third within the F3 Drivers’ Championship, and is presently collaborating in F2 with ART Grand Prix.
Browning may also drive for Williams within the post-season younger driver testing periods at Yas Marina.
“I can’t wait to get on observe within the FW46 and drive a Williams F1 automotive for the very first time. It’s an enormous second for my profession and a privilege to have the ability to expertise this technology of System 1 automobiles at a observe like Abu Dhabi,” mentioned Browning. “The group and I’ve put plenty of preparation into this session and can benefit from each lap to study as a lot as attainable. Thanks to the entire group at Williams for this wonderful alternative.”
As for the veteran of the group, Albon is hoping to finish the season on a robust be aware, to present Williams some momentum into 2025.
“We arrive in Abu Dhabi this weekend for the 2024 finale, following what has felt like an extended and difficult season,” mentioned Albon. “The group has given it their all, and I’m grateful to each single considered one of them for working tirelessly all year long to get us on observe, even in the course of the hardest occasions. We’ve skilled each highs and lows, however that’s all a part of racing. As a group we’ve discovered classes which we are able to carry into 2025 with the hope of a stronger season.
“Our automotive didn’t carry out as anticipated in Qatar, so hopefully these traits might be addressed at Yas Marina, and we are able to make good modifications forward of this weekend,” added Albon. “Our purpose is to execute a clear weekend and extract as a lot efficiency as attainable on this remaining spherical, taking some helpful insights into subsequent yr’s automotive.”
Williams enters the weekend sitting ninth within the F1 Constructors’ Championship, 29 factors behind eighth-place Visa Money App RB F1 Staff.
