Williams has announced that Franco Colapinto has been cleared to drive in the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix following his 50G impact with the barrier in qualifying.
Colapinto was attempting to escape the drop zone in Q2 when he tagged the inside wall at Turn 16 and was sent hurtling straight into the barrier on the opposite side.
The Argentine’s collision caused comprehensive damage to his Williams car at a time when the team is under the cosh amid various accidents across this campaign.
The impact meant Colapinto was mandated to visit the medical centre, with Williams revealing he would be evaluated in the morning to assess whether he could race.
Having conducted a “thorough follow-up evaluation” with the event medical team, Colapinto has been declared fit to compete in the race at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
“Following Franco’s incident in Qualifying yesterday, he has undergone a thorough follow-up evaluation from the event medical team today and has been cleared to race in this evening’s Las Vegas Grand Prix,” a Williams statement said. “Franco’s health is our main priority, and we are relieved that he is well enough to race following such a significant incident.
“We thank the medical staff for prioritising Franco’s health and wellbeing and for the excellent care he received.
“We are extremely thankful to our incredible garage team for their hard work overnight to repair Franco’s car and our fans and partners for their continued support.”
However, Colapinto will not be able to line up from where he qualified in 14th position as set-up changes outside parc ferme order that he must start from the pit lane.
“We have taken the opportunity to make some set-up changes during the repair and, as a result, Franco will start the race from the pit lane,” Williams continued.
“We are looking forward to going racing under the lights tonight.”
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto suffered 50G impact in Las Vegas F1 qualifying crash
