Williams name replacement driver at British Grand Prix

Logan Sargeant will miss the first free practice session of the British Grand Prix, sitting out to allow Williams to fulfil one of its two mandated rookie FP1 runs.

Stepping into the American's FW46 will be MP Motorsport driver Franco Colapinto. The Argentine racer is a member of the Williams driver academy and currently sits fifth in the F2 standings.

It will be the first time the 21-year-old has competed in an F1 weekend, after he took part in the post-season young driver test at Abu Dhabi for the Grove-based team last year.

"I have so many emotions," said Colapinto. "I am extremely delighted and it’s a very important moment in my life and my career.

"I will be the most prepared I can; I will be doing a lot of laps in the simulator and studying the details needed to drive this year’s car. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the new car after driving last year’s in Abu Dhabi. 

"To be able to drive it at a track like Silverstone is a privilege, it is one of my favourite tracks and to drive it at the team’s home race means a lot. 

"To all the Argentine fans – I hope you enjoy FP1 as much as I’m going to! It’s an important moment for our country and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given. I’m going to give my all to make you proud!”