Colapinto ‘good ‘ in race, ‘fantastic’ in qualifying

In the round-up: Williams team principal James Vowles praised Franco Colapinto’s performance in his Formula 1 debut.

In brief

Vowles praises Colapinto

Colapinto qualified 18th for his Formula 1 debut, took the chequered flag in 13th and was promoted one place by Daniel Ricciardo’s penalty. Vowles declared himself pleased with the newcomer’s performance.

“Franco, this weekend, given we’ve really taken him out of F2 and immediately put him in F1 – but with significant amounts of preparation behind the scenes – has done a good job,” said Vowles in a video released by the team.

As well as the front-left tyre graining problems most drivers suffered the Williams pair also had to cope with their rear tyres overheating, said Vowles. Colapinto “took it in his stride,” he said.

“He executed the race perfectly, making progress and overtaking cars. And I think had qualifying really gone to plan – and just for transparency in qualifying he was near enough within a tenth of Alex [Albon] as he went through turn seven, so very, very close – he would have been today potentially in with a chance for points. And that, for your first outing in a car, is fantastic.”

McLaughlin “couldn’t see” in Milwaukee glare

Scott McLaughlin said he had difficulty seeing into two corners at the Milwaukee Mile as the sun set during last weekend’s opening race. However the Penske driver, who won the second race, said he enjoyed the event.

“I know I won, but I like this race,” said McLaughlin. “Yesterday was extremely hard. I don’t know what other drivers thought or said, whatever. I could not see into three and four. The glare from the sun was incredible, especially when the windscreen got dirty and stuff. That was a big issue for me.

“It probably made the race-ability of the track tougher down three, four compared to today because it was so hard to pick the right line. No one wanted to make a wrong move.

“I prefer this [earlier] start time. I thought we had a pretty good crowd. Unless they put some lights on, [then] it would be pretty sick. It would be awesome.”

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