Sergio Perez makes Franco Colapinto recommendation ahead of his F1 debut at Monza

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Franco Colapinto is making his F1 debut this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix for Williams and has been given some sage advice by Sergio Perez.

The Argentinian is stepping up from Formula 2 as he sits sixth in the standings and he took an impressive win at Imola.

Colapinto has done relatively little running in modern Formula 1 cars, only driving at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year and in FP1 for the British Grand Prix.

James Vowles and the Williams team have trusted him to replace American driver Logan Sargeant for the final nine rounds of the season.

Sergio Perez told Franco Colapinto to ‘enjoy his opportunity’ at Monza

Colapinto will face a steep learning curve as he lines up alongside Thai driver Alex Albon at Williams in a car that is much more complex than the one he has driven before.

He was very impressive during his FIA F2 campaign and outing at Silverstone, where he was just four-tenths slower than Albon.

For Colapinto, there will be the inevitable pressure that comes with being a rookie in Formula 1, but no seats are available at Williams for 2025. This may put less pressure on his shoulders than if there were a seat available.

In the pre-race press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Perez said that the Argentinian needs to savour the moment.

He explained: “I think it’s a massive challenge but I think he’s been with Williams quite a while, it would really speed up his learning now that he will be racing in F1. Alex is doing work with how the team works during the weekend and that will open his mind so much.

“Whatever he’ll do next, he will be a much prepared driver in the future, I’ll just recommend him to enjoy his opportunity and maximise the chances.”

Franco Colapinto will become the first Argentinian to start a Grand Prix since 2001

Argentina has played a significant part in the history of the Formula 1 world championship which began in the 1950s as Juan Manuel Fangio won five titles.

The nation also hosted a Grand Prix on and off from 1953-1998 but there has been little talk of Formula 1 returning to Argentina since.

Gaston Mazzacane was the last Argentinian to start a Grand Prix. He raced in F1 21 times for Minardi and Prost in 2000 and 2001, with his final start coming at the 2001 San Marino Grand Prix.

Colapinto is incredibly popular in his native Argentina and has many fans supporting him, a fanbase which will only increase as he races in Formula 1.