Williams adds F3 charger Colapinto to Driver Academy

©Williams

Williams Racing has welcomed 19-year-old Argentinian hopeful Franco Colapinto to the F1 team's Driver Academy.

Colapinto popped up on Williams' radar after an impressive maiden campaign in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing.

Overall, the young gun scored two wins and five podiums to finish 9th overall in the series' driver standings.

But Colapinto's experience in motorsport also includes participations in the 24 Hours of Spa and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Rookie of the Year title in the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series, the 2019 Spanish Formula 4 Championship and Argentinian Senior and Junior OK Championships in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

As part of his Williams Racing Driver Academy apprenticeship, Colapinto 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 useful feedback for car development.

"It’s a real honour to join Williams Racing Team as an Academy Driver," said the young driver.

"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."

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Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Williams Racing: "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."

Williams also confirmed that Colapinto will compete in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.