Franco Colapinto has been officially cleared to participate in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite enduring a 50G impact during qualifying. The dramatic incident unfolded in Q2, when Colapinto’s car hit the inside wall at Turn 16, ricocheting into the concrete barrier on the right.
Details of the Incident
The crash caused substantial damage to Colapinto’s Williams FW45, bending the concrete barriers and leaving debris scattered near the pit entry. The session was red-flagged to clear the track, and the 20-year-old Argentine driver was taken to the medical center for mandatory health checks. Although cleared to race, the team announced that Colapinto will undergo further evaluations on race day to ensure he is fully fit to compete.
Williams’ Official Statement
Following the crash, Williams issued a statement addressing Colapinto’s condition and the team’s efforts:
“Franco’s health is our main priority, and we are relieved he is well enough to race following such a significant incident. We thank the medical staff for prioritising Franco’s health and wellbeing.”
The team praised its mechanics for their swift response, working overnight to repair the heavily damaged car. Due to setup changes made during repairs, Colapinto will start the race from the pitlane, which could open strategic opportunities depending on the race dynamics.
A Tough Period for Williams
This incident marks another challenging moment in what has been a difficult period for the Williams team. At the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Colapinto endured two crashes in wet conditions—one in qualifying and another during the race—while his teammate, Alex Albon, was unable to race after a heavy qualifying accident. These setbacks have tested the resilience of the team as they navigate the final stages of the season.
Looking Ahead to the Las Vegas GP
Despite recent struggles, Williams remains optimistic about the race in Las Vegas:
“We are looking forward to going racing under the lights tonight.”
With Colapinto starting from the pitlane, Williams hopes to capitalize on the unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas circuit. The unique challenges of the low-grip track and cold temperatures could provide opportunities for bold strategies, as the team looks to turn adversity into a strong result under the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
