Fernando Alonso has advised Formula 1's newest rookie, Franco Colapinto, to be ready for more physical discomfort in 2024.
Colapinto, who stepped in for Logan Sargeant at Williams starting from last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, caught the paddock's attention by advancing from P18 on the grid to finish P12.
"Colapinto even overtook Valtteri Bottas in the world championship," noted long-time Formula 1 commentator Roger Benoit in Blick.
The 21-year-old's P12 finish, a mere 13 seconds behind his Williams teammate Alex Albon, marked a better result than Sargeant achieved all season prior to his departure from the team.
Just ahead of the young Argentine at the finish line on Sunday was two-time world champion Alonso, 43, who was even an early backer of Colapinto in his Formula 4 days some years ago.
"He had a very good race and I told him that in parc ferme," said the Aston Martin driver.
"I didn't know I was in eleventh or twelfth. Without points it didn't matter to me," Alonso chuckled.
"He told me he ended up with a bit of pain in his back because of the seat. It was the first time he had been in the car for two hours at a fast pace. But he should now prepare well to adjust that seat because Singapore is not as easy as Monza, where you have so many places you can rest."
"In terms of the workload for the driver, Monza is one of the easiest tracks. In Baku, and especially in Singapore, it will be completely different," Alonso explained.
Colapinto confirmed he felt "sore and exhausted" following the race.
"But it was a good race," he added. "The team was very happy. I'm digesting all the information at the moment and have pain everywhere - it's terrible!" he laughed.
