Rubens Barrichello sends message to Franco Colapinto after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams

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Formula 1 used to be rich with South American racing talents and in Franco Colapinto, Williams have finally given the continent a driver to celebrate for the rest of the season.

The crowds at the Mexico City Grand Prix have shown just how passionate fans are for the sport whenever Sergio Perez arrives and although there’s no longer an Argentinian Grand Prix, Colapinto now has nine race weekends to make his nation proud.

Williams made the difficult call to drop Logan Sargeant after an expensive crash during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Despite missing qualifying due to the damage, Sargeant still started ahead of teammate Alex Albon after the Thai driver was disqualified despite reaching Q3 and showing the full potential of the car.

Unsurprisingly, Albon still finished ahead of the American and team principal James Vowles has since explained his decision to drop Sargeant.

It meant an unexpected but incredibly exciting promotion for Colapinto who currently sits 6^th in the Drivers’ Championship in Formula 2.

The 21-year-old posted on his Instagram to celebrate being handed the drive and received thousands of congratulatory messages.

One of those comments was from former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello.

Barrichello is still racing himself but was quick to celebrate seeing another South American get their chance to show their worth in Formula 1.

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Rubens Barrichello responds to Franco Colapinto’s promotion to F1 with Williams

Celebrating ahead of his debut at Monza, Colapinto said: “No words very very happy @williamsracing @f1,” alongside plenty of Argentinian flag emojis.

In the replies, Barrichello applauded Colapinto’s achievement and several Formula 2 stars joined the legendary Brazilian in congratulating the youngster.

F2 rival Pepe Marti said: “Congratulations Franco and Argentina!” while a veteran at that level, Richard Verschoor, added: “Congrats Franco, best of luck! Make us proud.”

Another Brazilian, Enzo Fittipaldi then replied: “Congratulations my friend!!! Best of luck!!”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship

Franco Colapinto has already impressed at Williams this season

The first practice session at Monza was expected to see one man draw all of the focus from the crowd in Italy.

Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula 1 debut in the session before dropping back down to race for Prema in F2 for the rest of the weekend.

However, Colapinto’s first hour in the Williams as a full-time driver is going to be equally fascinating.

Colapinto starred during his first free practice session at Silverstone, outshining the likes of Isack Hadjar and Jack Doohan in the process.

Williams staff have already been impressed by Colapinto and although his stint with the team won’t lead to a full-time race seat with the Grove-based outfit, he’ll be hoping to impress other teams up and down the paddock over the next few months.