F1 team give MAJOR driver health update ahead of Las Vegas GP

A picture of Carlos Sainz at the Las Vegas GP with the Sphere in the background — Photo: © IMAGO

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 team give MAJOR driver health update ahead of Las Vegas GP

The team warned earlier that they could be without a star man in Vegas

Chris Deeley

Sunday 24 November 2024 03:08

A Formula 1 team have delivered a huge update on the health of one of their two front-line drivers ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, after a scary incident on Friday.

Max Verstappen only needs to finish ahead of title rival Lando Norris to claim his fourth straight championship, but there's still plenty to fight for elsewhere – including in the constructors' championship, and for young drivers looking to establish themselves.

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Franco Colapinto crashed heavily in Q2 on Friday night, leaving his car a wreck for the third time in two race weekends and putting his participation for Saturday's race in doubt.

Williams confirmed after the session that the severity of the Argentine's impact meant that he would need a follow-up evaluation to race, with medical personnel unable to clear him in the hours after the crash.

Franco Colapinto is one of the young stars of F1

Argentine Colapinto crashed twice in Brazil

Will Franco Colapinto race in Las Vegas?

A Williams statement read: "Following Franco’s incident in Qualifying yesterday, he has undergone a thorough follow-up evaluation from the event medical team today and has been cleared to race in this evening’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Franco’s health is our main priority, and we are relieved that he is well enough to race following such a significant incident. We thank the medical staff for prioritising Franco’s health and wellbeing and for the excellent care he received.

"We are extremely thankful to our incredible garage team for their hard work overnight to repair Franco’s car and our fans and partners for their continued support. We have taken the opportunity to make some set-up changes during the repair and, as a result, Franco will start the race from the pitlane."

Max Verstappen Lando Norris Williams Franco Colapinto