Alex Albon said there’s “no pressure” on his new Formula 1 team-mate Franco Colapinto in light of Williams having its 2025 driver lineup set in stone.
Williams parted ways with American Logan Sargeant after the Dutch Grand Prix, a decision now doubt instigated by a costly lapse in judgement during FP3 at Zandvoort, which triggered an almighty crash for the sophomore driver.
Colapinto, campaigning his rookie season in FIA Formula 2, has been plucked from the junior category to compete in F1 with Williams for the remaining nine rounds of the year, starting with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
However, with Carlos Sainz embarking on a multi-year deal with Williams in 2025, Albon reasoned that Colapinto can race with “no pressure.”
“I think in some ways it’s a nice thing that he’s got, in my opinion,” the Anglo-Thai driver said during Thursday’s Italian GP driver press conference
“He knows the seat’s not up for grabs next year. There’s no pressure in terms of having to deliver and not trying to get a seat for next year.
“In some ways, I think it’s more just a bit of experience. I don’t know what Franco’s going to do next year, but the things you learn in F1 can help you a lot into, let’s say, if he does another year in Formula 2 next year. enjoy it.
“Of course there is a bit of a learning curve but he’s been in the car a couple times already so I don’t think it will be such a big thing.
“Maybe more about the physicality, when we go to Qatar and Singapore. That would be a bit of a surprise I think or not surprise but a difficult thing to get used to.
“But yeah, I think also Williams are great at educating and teaching the drivers how to get the most out of it. So also, I think I’ll try and help him as much as I can as well.”
Joining Albon on the driver press conference setee was Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Lando Norris, and both drivers were prompted to give their take on Colapinto’s incoming debut.
“I think it’s a massive challenge, definitely,” said Perez.
“But obviously, when you get the opportunity, you have to go for it. I think he’s been with Williams for quite a while. Now I think it will really speed up his learning.
“Now that he will be racing, he will see what Alex is doing, how the team works during a weekend and that will open his mind so much to whatever he does next.
“I think he will be a much prepared driver in the future. So I will just recommend him to enjoy his opportunity, enjoy the moment, and maximize the chance.”
Norris to had positive words of encouragement for the Argentine driver, saying “I just wish him the best. I’m sure it’s not an easy thing. I think the main thing is he knows the track, he knows the car.
“It’s just like external pressure, but I think he’s a guy who can probably deal with it very well.”
However, with 15 rounds of the season done and dusted, Norris argued that Colapinto coming in at Monza has its pitfalls.
“I think the more difficult part of coming in mid-season is just we’re on top of everything,” the McLaren driver said.
“We know how the tyres work, how everything works, and we’re able to predict everything.
“For him, it’s the complete opposite almost. He’s going to go into certain times in qualifying and races just not being able to pre-empt what’s going to happen with the tyres. When they get to this temperature, what’s going to happen? How then do you have to drive?
“We’re prepared for… for everything and every step of the way. And for him, that’s going to be the tough part.
“But he’s here for a reason because he’s talented and he’s a very good kid. And I’m sure he’ll do just fine.”
Moreover, with Colapinto’s F1 debut coming at The Temple of Speed, one of the simpler circuit configurations on the calendar, Albon argued the Argentine is making his bow “at the right moment.
“If I could choose a track to do my first race at, I think Monza is one of the more forgiving ones, better than Baku or Singapore.”
