Debutant Williams driver Franco Colapinto said he will “never forget” his first Formula 1 race at Monza after finishing P12.
Colapinto joined Williams this weekend for the remainder of the season, replacing outgoing driver Logan Sargeant after the American failed to meet the team’s performance requirements, with the final disappointment coming at Zandvoort last week when he heavily crashed his car.
The 21-year-old Argentine began his F1 career at the Italian GP, with good practice sessions and a qualifying session that was rather disappointing for Colapinto. However, he made up places during the Grand Prix and finished P12, just three positions behind teammate Alexander Albon who managed to score points.
“I’m really happy to have completed my first Formula 1 race, it’s a moment I will never forget,” Colapinto told the media including Action Sports Network.
“The race was physically tough as I’m a bit tired and sore now but there are plenty of positives to take.
“Before today I had never driven more than eight laps in a row in the FW46 and today there were 53 to do with very high track temperatures.
“I think I did a good job of managing the tires to make the one-stop work and the race pace was strong.
“I’m very happy for the team. It was great to give them a positive result from my first race after all the hard work they’ve put in to get me up to speed this weekend.
“Of course, there are still things to work on but I’m very excited to jump back in the car in two weeks to go racing again.”