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Colapinto Alpine debut

This weekend, in the midst of the unrest caused by the departure of team head Oliver Oakes, Franco Colapinto makes his alpine racing debut. A day after Oakes resigned, the Argentinian, who participated in nine races for Williams the previous season, was called the replacement for the Australian Jack Doohan.

Although it does not seem like the best time to start a career with a team, James Vowles, the Williams team director, Colapinto supports in dealing with the situation.

“Is it in a turbulent time?” Vowles said earlier this week during a media briefing in the Williams Factory. “Yes, no doubt. Will they support Pierre (Gasly) and Franco? Yes, I think they will do that too, because they are still the top athletes who drive for them to score the most points you can.

“So what happens normally, even in a turbulent time, is that you still support your drivers. I actually think that learning is invaluable, whether it is in that team or elsewhere. A, it’s time on the way. B, it’s time in a difficult environment, and if you come out, you are only stronger. And Franco is strong.

Colapinto received a grid penalty in 1 place to enter the fast lane when it was not allowed and starts with P16.