'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAArrUpP//EACAQAAEEAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQFAAYHERMUIjL/2gAIAQEAAT8A3U1VD28jpUMSbayeuJB2hGcnq8UOwfQSQfnKfWLNtUQbGNbPRWJjASAYKubJWhMUJB55z//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMS/9oACAECAQE/AFrXMH//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIR/9oACAEDAQE/ALtpYf/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Alpine has signed Franco Colapinto as their reserve and test driver ahead of the 2025 F1 season after his short-lived yet impressive stint with Williams Racing last year. He participated in nine Grands Prix with the team after replacing Logan Sargeant and proved his competence against the rivals.
Colapinto raised eyebrows from his debut as he stepped into an F1 Grand Prix for the first time in Italy (Monza) in 2024. He replaced Sargeant mid-season, who had been struggling with performance. Meanwhile, the Argentine marked his territory with the team, scoring his first points in his second race in Azerbaijan. Despite Williams' lack of competitiveness, he finished in points on two separate occasions, ending the season with a total of 5.
Trending
Although he performed well, he did not get a seat for 2025 as Carlos Sainz was set to drive for Williams this season. However, Alpine recently signed him as their test and reserve driver, as he bid farewell from Williams Racing.
"I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team," F1 quoted Franco Colapinto. "First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that."
Colapinto also thanked the authorities at Alpine for signing him:
"Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour. A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us."
Alpine is preparing for the 2025 season with a modified lineup. They ended their deal with Esteban Ocon and signed Jack Doohan to race alongside Pierre Gasly. Adding to this lineup, Franco Colapinto would serve as a strong backup.
Williams Racing boss positive for Franco Colapinto to get a full-time racing seat in the coming seasons
Williams team principal James Vowles has a strong feeling for Franco Colapinto to get a full-time seat in either 2025 or 2026. In a statement the team released, he mentioned that being connected to Alpine will provide him with a better chance to get on the grid as a full-time driver given Williams' lineup for the upcoming season.
"Over nine memorable races with Williams he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1 and we always said we would support him to get one," Vowles said.
"Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026."
Franco Colapinto had left his Formula 2 season midway to race for Williams in 2024. At the time, he was racing for MP Motorsport and had gained one victory. Signing with the French outfit this season could be a huge positive for the 21-year-old.
