Williams Racing drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto are used to handling powerful machines built with cutting-edge technology, but they were in for a surprise when they visited Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds.
Learning to operate the colossal mining equipment there stretched their skills in unexpected and exciting new ways.

_{Williams Racing F1 drivers Franco Colapinto (left) and Alex Albon at Komatsu's Proving Grounds in Tucson, AZ.}

“It was an amazing experience,” said Colapinto, who dreamed of operating dump trucks and excavators as a small child. “I had a blast.”

Aspects of the technology, such as hybrid power, were familiar to them, but not much else.

"Going up a flight of stairs to get into your cockpit is very different to what I'm used to," said Albon.
Describing the air-conditioned cab and shock-absorbing seats, he added,  “I have to say they're far more comfortable."

Along with Williams Racing Team Principal James Vowles, each was paired with a Komatsu trainer who taught them how to operate the machines and joined them as they drove.Albon and Colapinto competed to see who would knock down the fewest cones, complete their course in less time, and shovel more loads.
The Williams Racing drivers were challenged to navigate steep inclines while managing the immense weight and power of these mining giants.

The collaboration between Williams Racing and Komatsu spotlighted their shared values in engineering excellence and technological advancement.
“Moments like these only amplify the importance of our partnership and reflect how our two brands are pushing the boundaries of technology in our respective fields,” Vowles said.

Team visits Komatsu's Arizona Proving Grounds ahead of Austin race.

As Principal Partner of the Williams Racing Formula 1 team, Komatsu was excited to offer the team the opportunity to experience firsthand the immense scale and technological prowess of Komatsu's mining equipment.

_{Alex Albon (left) and Franco Colapinto get up close with Komatsu electric drive mining trucks in Tucson, AZ.}

“It was a great experience to spend the day as a very different type of driver at the Arizona Proving Grounds with Komatsu,” Albon said. “The size of the machines we had the chance to operate was mind-blowing, so I’m grateful for the Komatsu trainer I had alongside me.”

During their visit to AZPG, which Komatsu uses as an R&D, testing and demo site, ahead of the Austin Grand Prix, Albon and Colapinto got to operate the latest Power Agnostic 930E electric drive mining trucks, which stand as tall as a two-story house. They also operated the PC7000-11 surface mining excavator, the bucket of which can hold 47 cubic yards of material. These machines are at the cutting edge of mining technology, showcasing Komatsu's continued commitment to innovation and efficiency.

“Just like our factory at Grove, the site is a vibrant hub of innovation and progression, but here it is on an incredible scale,” Vowles said. “Moments like these only amplify the importance of our partnership and reflect how our two brands are pushing the boundaries of technology in our respective fields. We hope we can have more experiences like this as the relationship evolves and grows over the coming years.”

This unique experience required the Williams Racing drivers to push their skills to new limits as they navigated rugged terrain and precise targets while managing the immense weight and power of these mining giants. Each team member was paired with a Komatsu expert trainer to guide and supervise operation of the equipment. 

“While the skillset is different,” Albon said, “the level of expertise needed to drive a Formula 1 car and a giant excavator is more similar than I expected.”

  _{Wiliams Racing F1 drivers Alex Albon (left) and Franco Colapinto size up Komatsu electric drive mining trucks in Tucson, AZ.}