Franco Colapinto joins Williams Racing Driver Academy

Williams Racing are delighted to welcome Franco Colapinto to the team’s Driver Academy.

We’re also pleased to confirm that Franco will compete in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport.

“It’s a real honour to join Williams Racing as an Academy Driver,” the 19-year-old Argentinian shared, adding: “They are one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history and I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of my fellow countryman Carlos Reutemann.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for which I am forever grateful. Thanks to everyone at Williams for putting their trust in me.

“I am also excited to announce that I will be back with MP Motorsport for the 2023 FIA F3 season.

“I really enjoyed my time with the team in Eurocup and FRECA and we achieved some great results together.

“The goal is to reach even higher this time. My first year in FIA F3 was all about learning and I will use all the knowledge I’ve gathered to aim for the title next year.

“I am grateful to everyone who made this possible. Bullet Sports Management, YPF, ROFGO Racing, and of course, my beloved country Argentina. Thank you for all the support. I can’t wait to get the season started.“

Franco joins the Williams Racing Driver Academy following an impressive rookie season in Formula 3 with Van Amersfoort Racing.

He hit the ground running in 2022 by claiming pole position in his debut Formula 3 Qualifying session in Bahrain. This was followed by his maiden victory at the next round in Imola during the Sprint Race.

Franco’s strong run of results also saw him on the podium in Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands and he wrapped up the season with a win in the Monza Sprint Race.

Overall, he scored two wins and five podiums to achieve 76 points and finish 9th in the driver standings.

Franco has an impressive wealth of experience since starting karting at age nine with over 100 race starts including the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

His most notable achievements include 2021 Asian Le Mans Series Rookie of the Year, 2019 Spanish Formula 4 Champion and Argentinian Senior and Junior OK Champion in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

As part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy Franco will be immersed with the team both trackside and at the factory in Grove.

He’ll work closely with various departments across Williams to hone his skills both on and off the track while conducting simulator work to provide the useful feedback for car development.

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams Racing has kept close tabs on Franco and is incredibly happy to welcome him into the team, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Franco to the Williams Racing Driver Academy.

“His career achievements since starting karting highlight Franco’s natural ability behind the wheel and what he’s capable of in the years to come.

“He had a standout rookie season in Formula 3 with several strong performances that led to podiums and wins. We look forward to working closely with Franco to support and nurture his development as a driver.”