Williams’ Formula 1 rookie Franco Colapinto was “very happy” with his Italian Grand Prix debut at Monza, which saw him gain six positions to come home in 12th.
The Argentine was drafted in during race week as a mid-season replacement for American Logan Sargeant.
All of a sudden, Colapinto went from doing Formula 2 sim sessions last Monday to pre-event F1 media on Thursday in Italy.
A mistake on his final lap in last Saturday’s qualifying session resigned Colapinto to a Q1 exit but he recovered well, utilising a one-stop strategy to finish 12th.
“I am very happy with the result, but happy because the pace was a question mark,” Colapinto said.
“I have never done more than eight laps in a row before this, and suddenly there are 53 – and I had never tried a hard compound [tyre] either.
“So there were a lot of new things, but it was a very positive weekend overall.
“It was obviously a little bit frustrating with the mistake [in qualifying], but I paid it back to the team with a really strong race.
“I now have a lot of information to take to the factory, on the simulator and understand better on what I need to work on as your first race is always tough with many unknown things, but we managed it well, and only finishing a couple of seconds outside of the points was decent.”
Williams Team Principal James Vowles drafted Colapinto, a member of the team’s Driver Academy, out from his rookie campaign to replace Sargeant in the hope the Argentine can bring points to the Grove-based outfit.
Based on his Sunday performance at Monza it looks as if Colapinto is on the right trajectory to repay the faith Williams has installed in him across the remainder of the campaign.
“It’s a whole process that has been very short for me so far, but it’s supposed to be long, but my first race went very quickly,” he said.
“James and the team had the trust to put me in the seat, it was a very difficult decision they made.
“But I am extremely happy with the performance and looking forward to getting more comfortable in the car.”
On a personal note, Colapinto reflected on what his maiden F1 weekend, saying he was “very proud,” adding, “It’s a moment that you have to enjoy.
“It’s a very proud moment, your first weekend and your first race. It’s something that you’re never going to forget. I just enjoyed it a lot. I tried to enjoy every moment.
“The drivers were very nice. Some of them gave me some tips. Alex [Albon] has been very helpful in the team.”
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