Williams Racing recorded their fourth successive points-scoring finish at the Italian Grand Prix this past weekend.
Alex Albon converted his P9 grid position to a P9 finish at the flag, managing his tyres to perfection to bring the one-stop strategy home ahead of a charging Fernando Alonso and within Kevin Magnussen’s penalty window.
Across the other side of the garage, Franco Colapinto wrapped up a whirlwind first week as a Formula 1 driver with a P12 finish from his P18 grid spot.
This led to some happy radio communications across the airwaves when our pair passed the flag after 53 laps of Monza.
James Urwin (JU), Alex’s Race Engineer, was quick to congratulate our No23 over the airwaves, and was soon joined by Team Principal James Vowles (JV).
JU: OK, nice job! Gap at 9.1s at the finish. That’s P9! That was a tight one…
JV: Alex, well done! You have no idea how tense that was from here on the last few laps - well managed. We were about a second away from dropping a couple there, but P9 is just reward for a strong drive. Well done. I think a lot to look at after the race, but this is where we start building forward.
AA: Well done everyone, that was well managed. Haha, that was a different kind of race than last year! But it was still as intense.
JU: Steady on the way in and pick up. Ah, I can breathe now! Nice job mate, well done.
Gaetan Jego (GJ), Franco’s Race Engineer, helped guide Franco through the entire weekend, sending important communication the way of our No43 across the 53 laps.
As with Alex, James Vowles was also quick to praise our Argentine racer for an excellent drive on debut.
GJ: OK good job, good job - P12. Mode 14, pick up rubber. That’s a very solid race.
FC: Yeah, copy mate.
JV: Franco, that is a fantastic first race. You really didn't put a foot wrong. You finished a few seconds behind Alex. Let’s reflect on this weekend, you had pace in qualifying. If we keep it clean, you're there and you're able to fight. Well done! This is your first race and I can't wait to see how we build together.
FC: Thank you, James. Thank you for this opportunity. I really enjoyed it. I really, really enjoyed this weekend. A lot of new things, but we built on them very well with the team. Thank you, Gaetan. You have been very helpful, mate. I learned loads this weekend, thank you for all the info and for helping me keep it clean this race. Let’s focus on the next one now.
GJ: My pleasure. Remember: slow in and pick up rubber. You’re going to go back to the pit lane under parc ferme. When you’re back in the pit lane, fully switch off the car. When you jump out, put the steering wheel back in and then go weigh yourself first thing.
FC: Yep, copy mate. You were right [when you said] I was going to have pain after this race! Woah, I’ve never had so much pain in a race car before. Think we need to do a few things with the seat, but I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much.
GJ: I’m sure we can find a fix and your body will get used to it. These are quick cars, huh? Welcome to Formula 1!
Both Alex and Franco will be back behind the wheel in less than a couple of weeks as we head to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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