Las Vegas GP: Franco Colapinto is allowed to race after a crash in qualifying

Williams driver Franco Colapinto will compete in the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday evening after passing a medical following his serious crash during qualifying.

Due to the forces involved in the accident, his participation was subjected to a follow-up check on Saturday to be declared fit to race.

Colapinto was trying to secure a place in the top 10 of the grid when his Williams passed the barrier on the inside of Turn 16 and crashed into the barriers on the exit.

The impact registered more than 50G and although he walked away from the accident, the medical staff at the track decided he needed to undergo further examination on Saturday before taking part in the race.

In a statement six and a half hours before the lights went out in Las Vegas, Williams confirmed Colapinto’s participation.

“Following Franco’s incident during qualifying yesterday, he today underwent a thorough follow-up evaluation by the event’s medical team and will be cleared to race in the Las Vegas Grand Prix tonight,” the statement said.

“Franco’s health is our main priority, and we are relieved that he is well enough to race after such a significant incident. We thank the medical staff for prioritizing Franco’s health and well-being and for the excellent care provided he got.”

Colapinto’s car was badly damaged both front and rear, but the team worked overnight to repair it in time for Saturday’s race.

Due to changes in the car’s set-up, Colapinto will sacrifice his 14th place on the grid and start from the pit lane.

“We are extremely grateful to our incredible garage team for their hard work to repair Franco’s car and to our fans and partners for their continued support,” the statement said.

“We took the opportunity to make some set-up changes during the repairs and as a result Franco will start the race from the pit lane.

“We’re looking forward to racing under the lights tonight.”

The accident occurred just three weeks after Williams suffered millions of dollars in damage in three accidents involving his two cars at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Colapinto, who has impressed since replacing Logan Sargeant with the team at the Italian Grand Prix, has no place on the grid confirmed for 2025.