Franco Colapinto was given the opportunity of a lifetime when Williams turned to their academy member and F2 race winner as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant. With a huge amount to learn, the Argentinian’s approach and steady improvement throughout the weekend (despite an understandable mistake in qualifying) impressed many in the paddock. At the end of it all, he was just two places away from the points and within 15 seconds of experienced team mate Albon. A fine start, even if Baku and Singapore are likely to pose more challenges.
Missing out
Sergio Perez just missed the cut after qualifying on the tail of Red Bull team mate Verstappen and finishing the race some 16 seconds back in eighth, with 13th-placed RB driver Ricciardo and seventh-placed Russell also close to making it into the top half of the table.