F1
Williams questions Colapinto's participation in Las Vegas
© Joao Filipe / DPPI
Will Franco Colapinto be on the starting grid for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday night (or Sunday morning in France)? Nothing is less certain. The Argentinian destroyed his Williams against the concrete walls of the American circuit during Q2, first hitting the front-right wheel on the inside of turn 17 and then against the outside barrier.
THE BIG CRASH OF COLAPINTO 😳
The driver is fine but his Williams is destroyed, the start of Q3 will be delayed 🔴
Esteban Ocon is eliminated, Pierre Gasly goes to Q3 🇫🇷#LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/N47KH2FuRq
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) November 23, 2024
A shock so violent – measured at 50G according to Williams – that Franco Colapinto was asked to go to the medical center for initial examinations. If the Argentinian is OK and does not suffer from any apparent injury, the press release published by Williams after qualifying is hardly reassuring as to the participation of the young rookie in the Grand Prix of Las Vegas.
"During qualifying, Franco suffered a significant impact of more than 50G, which required a medical check, indicates the British team. An impact of this magnitude is obviously significant and serious and he will need to be examined again tomorrow before we know if he is fit to race. Franco's health is all that matters and we are pleased that he is otherwise well. We will keep you updated as the situation develops as soon as possible."
Team statement. pic.twitter.com/LUCTgQ1cf0
- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 23, 2024
For Williams, three weeks after the chaos in Brazil and the three costly accidents both financially and materially, this new crash will weigh heavily on the end of the season. The mechanics, already in great demand in São Paulo, will still have their work cut out to repair the Argentinian's damaged FW46. Therefore, a possible withdrawal of Franco Colapinto would not be ruled out for health reasons, of course, but potentially for economic and material reasons too. Answer in less than 24 hours.
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
23/11/2024 at 02:02 a.m.
Surprised that the impact was measured at 50G! Williams Racing should perhaps forfeit Vegas in order to be operational next weekend in Qatar, a circuit less accident-prone than a street track. That's starting to be a lot of broken carbon for the new Argentinian marvel whose rating will soon no longer be worth $20 million! Hello, Christian, it's James, can I give you a small discount to $15 million?