Franco Colapinto found himself at the center of attention during the qualifying session for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix after a harrowing 50G crash.
The incident happened during the latter stages of Q2 at Turn 16, a notoriously tight corner on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
As Franco Colapinto pushed to secure a spot in Q3 he misjudged his approach and collided with the inside wall causing his car to rebound violently into the outside barrier.
This sequence of events not only left his Williams FW46 severely damaged but also raised immediate concerns regarding his health and ability to compete in the race.
The 50G crash was alarming for both fans and team personnel alike. The impact was so severe that it triggered an automatic deployment of the medical car, a protocol reserved for incidents of such magnitude.
Colapinto managed to exit his car unaided which provided some reassurance about his condition. However, he was promptly taken to the medical center for evaluation where he underwent a thorough check-up to assess any potential injuries resulting from the high-impact collision.
Following the crash, Williams Racing issued a statement emphasizing their primary concern for Franco Colapinto’s health. They announced that he would undergo further evaluations before being cleared to race.
As anticipation built around his status, fans and pundits expressed their relief when it was later confirmed that he had been declared fit to compete at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“Franco’s health is our main priority,” Williams stated. “We are relieved that he is well enough to race following such a significant incident.”
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The aftermath of Franco Colapinto’s 50G crash posed significant challenges for the Williams team, particularly in terms of car repairs. The mechanics faced a daunting task as they worked overnight to restore his car in time for the race.
This included not only repairing extensive damage but also making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance under race conditions. The team expressed gratitude for their garage staff’s hard work and dedication during the critical period.
Despite qualifying in 14th position prior to the crash, Franco Colapinto was mandated to start from the pit lane due to modifications made to his car post-repair.
This decision came as a result of changes made outside of parc ferme regulations, including installing a sixth gearbox and adjusting front brake cooling ducts.
While this situation allowed drivers who had initially qualified behind him to gain positions on the grid, Williams remained focused on ensuring Colapinto’s safety and readiness for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
