REPORT: In the mix after Italian GP Qualifying

Williams Racing's post-summer pace was on display around the Temple of Speed on Saturday, where Alex Albon reached another Q3 session.

A P9 qualification was Albono's reward for putting in fast laps all day, as he pushed the FW46 to the limit around Monza.

Franco Colapinto's first F1 Qualifying session ended earlier than he would've liked, and he will start tomorrow's race from P18, pending any penalties for others.

Our Argentine rookie showed the raw speed that landed him in an F1 cockpit by keeping close to Alex's times through FP3 and his first Q1 run.

Unfortunately, a wide moment on the exit of the second Lesmo after clipping the inside kerb forced Franco to abandon his second push lap as he exercised masterful car control to avoid the barriers.

It was a day of learning for both drivers, as Alex and Franco found fast times from finessing the car setup in the morning's Free Practice session.

Williams Racing had two cars in the top 10 positions for the first time in 2024, with Alex in P8 and Franco in P9 at FP3's conclusion.

That speed seemed to transfer directly into Q1. Even though Alex was the only one to reach Q2, Franco was going faster on his second lap before touching the gravel and was just 0.160s away from safety on his first attempt.

Albono continued his improvements in each session, finding two-tenths in Q2 to reach the final 12 minutes, then went faster again to beat Nico Hulkenberg to P9 by 0.040s.

James Vowles expressed his gratitude for the effort on the radio after the session, saying:

"Good work, Alex. Really, really good laps. There's a good position to start from tomorrow. We've got a good car."

"P9 is great, so I’m very happy," Alex shared after Qualifying. "We were the best of the rest so far this weekend and that’s where we hoped to be, but I don’t think we truly believed we’d be here, so it’s good.

"When the car continues to deliver in the practice sessions, it does add a bit of extra pressure to make sure we deliver in Qualifying, but it all paid off.

"It’s a very different track to Zandvoort and as good as the upgrades have been, we know this track does suit our car, but we also know that if we didn’t have the upgrade, we wouldn’t be in Q3, so that’s a nice takeaway.

"We were fighting the Haas throughout Qualifying and they seem to have slightly stronger race pace for tomorrow. Graining will be our biggest concern, but let’s see how we go."

"It was special to do my first Qualifying session in F1," Franco commented, adding: "I’ve enjoyed every moment of the weekend so far. Unfortunately, I made a little mistake on my second push which cost me the chance to do a good second lap.

"It was looking promising as I was in a good place after my first lap and, of course, working towards making a step on the second push.

"The car was very competitive, and I think it was possible to go through to Q2 today.

"However, this is just the start and there are things I still need to work on with only having a few laps in an F1 car.

"I’m a bit frustrated right now but I know there is a lot of potential, and the team has been working hard to make the car suit me a bit better.

"Tomorrow will provide a great opportunity to learn more about the car and tyres as well as managing a full race distance in F1. Let’s see how it goes."

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, concluded our reaction by saying: "Overall, a very positive day today as we confirmed the car’s performance of last week in Zandvoort.

"In Q1, both drivers were happy with their car and Alex moved swiftly into Q2.

"Unfortunately, Franco made a small mistake in his second push lap which cost him dearly as up till then he was on the pace to pass into Q2.

"It became clear it was going to be tight to get into Q3, but a great lap secured Alex a place into the top 10.

"In Q3, Alex claimed P9 which was the highest position achievable today, but he and the team can look back on a great Qualifying session.

"Tomorrow it will be all about tyre management as it will be very hot again with track temps above 50 degrees, but we are confident we have a good race car and will be able to fight for points."