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Franco Colapinto<\/strong><\/a> is making his debut as Formula 1<\/strong><\/a> driver this weekend at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix<\/em> in Monza, Italy.<\/p>\n The 21-year-old Argentinian was promoted from reserve driver to the Williams Racing F1 team<\/a> earlier this week, replacing Logan Sargeant<\/strong><\/a> for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n His promotion marks the first time there will be an Argentine driver on the grid since Gast\u00f3n Mazzacane<\/strong>, whose last race was in 2001.<\/p>\n Franco<\/strong> was in attendance at previews day on Thursday (August 29), where he dished on how he found out about his promotion, and talked about the upcoming race this weekend.<\/p>\n Keep reading to find out more\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was a complete rollercoaster,\u201d Franco<\/strong> told the media<\/a>. \u201cIt was insane, to be honest!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just with [my F2 team] MP [in the Netherlands] on Monday doing the preparation for the F2 race. I\u2019d done the sim there all day, and then I had to fly in the evening to England to the Williams factory. It was already planned from many months ago,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was there I realised I had a meeting with James [Vowles<\/strong>, Williams Team Principal] and with Sven [Smeets<\/strong>, Sporting Director]. They have been super supportive, not only today and not only here, giving me this chance and an amazing opportunity that I dreamt about years ago, also with the Silverstone Free Practice 1 in their home race,\u201d Franco <\/strong>said. \u201cI think it also prepared me a little bit more for this chance and I am just super grateful to race for the team. I am very comfortable and I am extremely happy to be here today. I can\u2019t wait for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n As for this weekend\u2019s race, his first in Formula 1, he says he\u2019s going to give it his all. <\/p>\n \u201cI know what the team is expecting, and I know the targets and what their goal is. I\u2019m going to try to achieve that together. As I said, I\u2019m going to give my all to make them proud,\u201d the driver shares. \u201cPoints or no points, I don\u2019t really know. I\u2019m focusing on myself, trying to go slowly and make this process as safe and as quick as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n Prior to his Formula 1 race debut this weekend, Franco<\/strong> previously drove during a free practice session back in early July at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix<\/em>.<\/p>\n If you missed it, two drivers are being promoted to Formula 1 for the 2025 season<\/a>, and there is potential for a third!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n