In 2024, Franco Colapinto (21) was one of the biggest surprises of the Formula 1 season, as Williams’ replacement for Logan Sargeant. Now Alpine has snapped up the talented Argentine.
Alpine has been working on this for a long time behind the scenes, and now an agreement has been reached with Williams: the Argentinian Franco Colapinto is moving to French!
The BWT Alpine Formula One team announced on the evening of January 9 that it has acquired the services of Franco Colapinto from Williams on a multi-year contract.
The 21-year-old Argentine driver will take on the role of test and reserve driver for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, further strengthening the existing pool of talent the team can draw on during the season.
As part of his role with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Franco will be present at Grands Prix throughout the year, sharing driving duties with Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa as part of the TPC (Preliminary Car Testing) program as well. as Contribute to the team’s efforts on the loop simulator at its Enstone headquarters.
In fact, Colapinto is basically a way to put pressure on young Australian Jack Doohan if the results are not good enough compared to Pierre Gasly.
Franco Colapinto: “I am very happy about the opportunity to join the Alpine team. First of all, I would like to thank Williams for all their support, since I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. You made my dream of racing in Formula 1 come true and I will always be grateful for that. Now is the time for a new chapter and to take on this challenge with the BWT Alpine Team is truly an honor.”
“A big thank you to Luca de Meo, Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes, who believed in me and welcomed me into the team with open arms. I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. Many thanks also go to all my sponsors and partners who supported me through the challenges of the season 2024. Your support made everything possible, and to my amazing fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your enthusiasm and encouragement means a lot to me. Let’s strive for greater things in 2025 and beyond.
Flavio Briatore, senior advisor at Alpine: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Franco is undoubtedly one of the best young talents in motorsport. It’s fair to say that his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year surprised many, myself included, and his performances were very impressive for a rookie driver. We are thinking about our future and his signing means we can attract a large group of young players and work with them to develop the team for future success.”
