Argentine driver Franco Colapinto has announced that he will start from scratch his participation in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix of Formula 1, this weekend at the Imola circuit, Italy, after replacing Australian Jack Doohan at Alpine, owned by Renault.
Despite having raced nine times for Williams at the end of last season, substituting for American Logan Sargeant, the 21-year-old Colapinto is still considered a rookie.
Everything is new again. We start from scratch.
Franco Colapinto
The pilot stated that the circumstances of his incorporation are not ideal, but that he will make the most of the opportunity.
Colapinto managed to score five points for Williams and generated great enthusiasm in Argentina, becoming the first driver from the country in 23 years to compete on the grid.
His return doubles South American presence in the competition, as the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, was the only representative in the first six races.
The Argentinian admitted to feeling a little “rusty” and considers that five races, the number they have confirmed to him before a new evaluation by the team, will not be enough to fully adapt to an unfamiliar car.
Colapinto has been working intensely in the simulator and drove an old Alpine F1 car last week at the Dutch Grand Prix circuit in Zandvoort.
The Argentinian’s debut with Williams was in Monza last year, and he was happy that his return would be in Imola, another Italian circuit with good memories from his junior series.
I am much more relaxed. I have had the experience of running, I have had the experience of being at a race weekend with a different team.
Franco Colapinto
Colapinto explained that the experience in Monza was very exciting, while now it feels different.
The driver emphasized that, although it remains a dream come true, his focus is now on working with the team and contributing to the team’s goals.
