Argentine Driver Franco Colapinto to Have Better Odds of Securing a Race Seat at Alpine, Says Williams Boss

Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, 21, is set to join Formula 1 in August 2024, replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams. He completed the remaining season, scoring five points in nine Grands Prix.

While many believed Colapinto would remain with Williams, changes within the team, with Carlos Sainz joining from Ferrari, meant there was no room for the Argentine driver. After being linked to other teams, it has been confirmed that Colapinto will join Alpine as a reserve driver.

Colapinto will not be the only reserve driver at Alpine, as Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron will also be part of the team. Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan (replacing Esteban Ocon) will take precedence. With three reserve drivers, Colapinto may have to wait a while for another opportunity in the top-level motorsport competition, but the news still excites his fans. He has a multi-year contract, linking him to the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.

In a statement, Colapinto thought about his former team. \"Firstly, I would like to thank Williams for all their support since I joined the Academy to the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my Formula 1 racing dream into reality, and I will always be grateful for that\".

\"Taking on this challenge with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honor\", he added. His former boss at Williams, James Vowles, believes that with Sainz and Albon on the grid for 2025, Colapinto will have better odds of securing a race seat at Alpine in 2025 or 2026.

\"The Williams Driver Academy is in place to find and develop future F1 stars, just like it has done with Franco. More than nine unforgettable races with Williams, he has clearly shown that he deserves a place in Formula 1, and we have always said we will support him to get it\".

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