Williams sign F3 talent Franco Colapinto to Driver Academy

Franco Colapinto has become the latest signing to the Williams Driver Academy.

The Argentine competed in his rookie FIA Formula 3 campaign last year, captured two victories along with a further three podium finishes. He ended the season ninth in the drivers’ championship with Van Amersfoort Racing after several stand-out performances along the way, including pole position on debut in Bahrain.

The 19-year-old captured the Spanish F4 title in his first full season of single-seater racing in 2019, taking 11 race wins along the way. He drove in both Formula Renault Eurocup and Toyota Racing Series in 2020, ending up third in both series with three victories and 17 podiums combined.

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In 2021, Colapinto moved to Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, driving for MP Motorsport. He claimed three pole positions and two race victories on the way to fourth in the Championship.

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He also combined that with sportscars, competing in both the European and Asian Le Mans Series. Colapinto finished seventh in his class in the 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours as part of a line-up that included AlphaTauri's 2023 racer Nyck de Vries.

For his second FIA F3 season, Colapinto switches from VAR to reunite with MP Motorsport. The 19-year-old took part in the post-season test with the team last year, achieving 248 laps at Jerez and ending the test with the fastest time on the third and final day.