The promising Franco Colapinto joins the Williams Academy

It is an important step in his young career, Franco Colapinto, who competed in his first Formula 3 season in 2022, finished in a respectable ninth place in the overall standings. With two wins and five podiums last year, he quickly made a name for himself in this championship.

This year, in addition to joining the Williams Academy, he will switch from Van Amersfoort Racing to MP Motorsport, the team for which he has already raced in the Formula Renault Cup, where he finished 3rd in 2020, and sixth in the Formula Regional Europe in 2021.

The Formula 4 Spain champion, at only 19 years old and with a strong track record, managed to convince the Williams F1 team to hire him in their development program. He will be fully integrated with the team, both on the track and at the Grove factory, which involves a simulator program to enhance his skills and contribute to the team’s development.

“It is a true honor to join the Williams Racing Team as an Academy driver,” stated Colapinto. “It is one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, and I am excited to follow in the footsteps of my fellow countryman, Carlos Reutemann.”

« It’s an incredible opportunity for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you to everyone at Williams for trusting me. »

I am also delighted to announce that I will be returning with MP Motorsport for the 2023 FIA F3 season. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team in Eurocup and FRECA, and we achieved excellent results together.

The objective is to go even higher this time. My first year in FIA F3 was dedicated to learning, and I will use all the knowledge I have accumulated to aim for the championship next year, he concluded.

The Williams Young Drivers Academy is growing.

A welcoming arrival announced by the Williams Sports Director, Sven Smeets: “We are thrilled to welcome Franco to the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” stated the Sports Director of Williams.

His professional achievements, since he started karting, highlight Franco’s natural ability behind the wheel and what he will be capable of in the years to come. He had an exceptional first season in Formula 3 with several strong performances that led to podiums and victories.

We are excited to work closely with Franco to support and nurture his development as a pilot.

The Williams Academy will be well represented, as Franco Colapinto will be the second driver, alongside British Zak O’Sullivan, to participate in the FIA F3. The program is expanding, already composed of Jamie Chadwick, triple champion of the W Series, and Formula 2 driver Roy Nissany.