The main difficulties to be faced by Franco Colapinto for his debut

At first glance, Franco Colapinto began his week quietly preparing for the resumption of the season F2, also in Monza. But to everyone's surprise, or at least unexpectedly, the South American was chosen by Williams to replace Logan sargeant, dismissed after another poor performance at Zandvoort, punctuated by his violent exit from the track in EL3.

So here is the Argentinian launched into a completely different type of challenge that he did not necessarily expect just a few days ago. A golden opportunity, which is not to be refused for any young driver who aspires to the F1 in the short, medium or long term.

Feeling very excited about his first Grand Prix weekend 🙌 pic.twitter.com/iRgwhrT32y

- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 29, 2024

Monza, the ideal circuit for beginners?

If he is not expected to play up front or even to play on an equal footing with his teammate Alex Albon From the outset, Franco Colapinto's performance will be closely followed, as is often the case when a driver arrives mid-way.

As Nyck de Vries Two years ago and on this same Williams, it is at Monza that the protégé of the English team will make his debut in the big circus. A historic circuit that could help him in his acclimatization. Indeed, its long straights, its fast passages and its only 11 turns offer him more width unlike Baku and Singapore (the next two GPs) where mistakes are often paid dearly. In 2022, the Dutchman, certainly more experienced than the Argentinian at the moment, had managed to finish in the points for his debugging.

« It comes at the right time. If I could choose a circuit to compete in my first Grand Prix, Monza is one of those with the best chances., confides Alex Albon. In any case, it is better than Baku and Singapore. [which follow one another].

It's a great opportunity that I think he has, knowing that the seat is not available next year. He will have less pressure to perform to try to get a drive next season. He can gain experience. I don't know what Franco will do next year, but what you learn in F1 can be useful in the future, especially if he does another season in F2. He just has to enjoy it. There will definitely be a learning curve but he's been lucky enough to be in the car a few times so I don't think it will be a big challenge for him, maybe he will feel it more on the physical side. Singapore or Qatar will be places where he will perhaps have a little more difficulty on that level. For my part, I will also try to help him »

Franco Colapinto inevitably attracted attention at Monza. © Eric Alonso /DPPI

"If he's here, it's for a good reason."

Although he has already had the opportunity to drive the FW46 before (FP1 at Silverstone), Franco Colapinto will be in different conditions at Monza. This time, every time will count and he will therefore have to take into account many factors. Among them: the tires, their degradation and their management.

At a press conference, his new comrades warned him even if they believe he is capable of getting out of it. The hardest thing about coming in mid-season is that the others are already used to it, how the tires work, and everything else. (automatisms), underlines Lando Norris. We are able to foresee everything. For him, it is almost the complete opposite. He will get into the thick of things, have to do qualifying times, not know the degradation of the tires in the race, how he has to manage his driving. In short, be prepared for all eventualities. That will be the hardest for him. But if he is here, it is for a good reason. He has talent and he is a good boy. I am sure he will do his best. »

This is, roughly summed up, what awaits Franco Colapinto this weekend at Monza. At Williams, it will not be a question of asking him to perform from the start. Simply to bring the car home and stay out of trouble. Apart from that, the rest will be just a bonus for what comes next since he will have 8 other Grands Prix to shine. In any case, his colleagues see him ready for his debut, like a boy " able to handle external pressure perfectly. » It’s up to him to show it on the track now.

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