Franco Colapinto had no luck in the Qatar Grand Prix. Beyond the obvious problems in the Williams FW43 throughout the weekend, this Sunday had a ephemeral participation in the main race: after starting in 19th place, he placed last and tried to avoid traffic on the first curvebut it was hit by Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Alpine), in a carom with Nico Hulkenberg (HAAS) y was forced to abandon without remedy.
Thus, Colapinto was left without competing for the second time since this excursion through the highest category of world motorsport began.. The previous one had been at the San Pablo GP, when he suffered two accidents in which he was responsible and which even brought a headache to the British team, which had to rebuild its vehicle.
All the excitement there was to see the 21-year-old young man in Lusail, meters from where the Argentine Soccer Team had won the 2022 World Cup two years ago, disappeared in a few seconds. At the back of the grid, smoke rose and a blue car was seen through the official transmission as it was near the walls: it was Colapinto..
With his helmet in tribute to the world champions, with Lionel Messi lifting the trophy, Franco could not enjoy himself. Because he had a hard time with an old configuration on his Williams during the only free practice, the Sprint and qualifying. There was even unfounded criticism against Ocon on social networks, linking the clash with what happened at the Lusail stadium in the Qatar 2022 final..
But nothing could console Colapinto. He tried to be neat and stay on track, as Williams team manager James Vowles had requested. That’s why he tried to open up in the first corner, avoiding major traffic and any situation that happened ahead.
He didn’t count on Hulkenberg blocking and going over the turning radius in the first corner, forcing Ocon – who was coming up behind – to turn left to avoid the impact. The Frenchman couldn’t, as his right front wheel hit the side of the German driver and, with a carom, hit Franco Colapinto, who mounted the Alpine’s tire and broke his suspension.