Surprised James Vowles shares how Franco Colapinto compares to Alex Albon in the Williams simulator

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Franco Colapinto has been a revelation since he joined Williams midway through the season. James Vowles drafted him in for the underperforming Logan Sargeant ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Expectations were limited. Colapinto had been among the front-runners in Formula 2 but had only scored one victory and three podiums, so few regarded him as a top-tier talent.

But his performances at Williams are quickly elevating him into that bracket. Even his 12th-place finish on debut bettered all but one of Sargeant’s 2024 results.

In Azerbaijan a fortnight later, he remarkably bagged his first Formula 1 points with P8. He may have benefitted from the late collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz but he was in the points on merit beforehand.

That was a weekend that transformed Williams’ season, with their 10-point haul elevating them above Alpine and giving them hope of challenging Haas and RB ahead. It offered almost immediate vindication for Vowles.

In Singapore last time out, the Argentine virtually matched Alex Albon’s qualifying time and bravely passed him at turn one. He only just missed out on another score after keeping the Red Bull of Sergio Perez behind for 28 laps.

James Vowles says Franco Colapinto is just as quick as Alex Albon in Williams sim

Speaking on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Vowles admitted his surprise at the speed of Colapinto’s adaptation. He had confidence in the youngster, who had impressed during an FP1 outing at the British GP in July.

He also revealed that Colapinto was a match for Albon on the Williams simulator. While they can never completely capture real-world conditions, Vowles believes his team boast a fairly representative model.

This is certainly a surprising revelation given the gulf in experience. Formerly of Red Bull, Albon will make his 100th Grand Prix start in the United States later this month.

“In the simulator land, he’s the same pace as Alex,” Vowles said. “And it’s a good simulator, so we’re able to compare where we are here, but you’re never quite sure if that’s going to translate. So I knew he’d be quick. What I didn’t expect is how quickly he’s got up to speed.”

How Franco Colapinto could race for Williams in 2027

After just three races, Colapinto has put himself in contention for a 2025 Formula 1 drive. Williams are unable him to offer him one, of course, after signing Carlos Sainz.

Sauber have yet to confirm who will partner Nico Hulkenberg, so that remains an option. Vowles may not be concerned about strengthening his rival because he’s thinking longer term.

Christian Horner is astonished by Colapinto and there appears to be interest from the Red Bull camp. He could theoretically join their programme and race for RB, but that would require significant compensation.

If he stays patient, there could be an opening further down the line. Colapinto is a 2027 option for Williams, at which point either Sainz or Albon may have moved on.