Franco Colapinto has signed for an F1 team for the 2025 season despite no seats being available - Reports

Franco Colapinto, the rookie driver who made waves with his debut with Williams Racing in 2024, has reportedly agreed to a deal with Alpine for the 2025 season. The Argentine is likely to replace Jack Doohan as the latter's contract guarantee is limited to the first six races of the upcoming season.

The grid for the 2025 F1 season is locked after Visa Cash App Racing Bulls signed Isack Hadjar for the second seat. Alpine, meanwhile, replaced Esteban Ocon with its junior driver, Doohan.

Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed Doohan for the second seat alongside Pierre Gasly. However, four days later, Colapinto made his debut in F1, replacing Logan Sargeant in Williams. In his first five races, the Argentine ended up scoring points in two Grand Prixs, earning the attention of top teams, including Red Bull.

Meanwhile, Alpine's interest in Colapinto has reportedly resurfaced. According to Argentina's local publication Diario Olé, the 21-year-old rookie driver has signed a deal with Alpine for the 2025 season with an announcement reportedly imminent.

The report further claimed Doohan's contract is limited to the first six races of the 2025 season. This means that after the Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May 4, Franco Colapinto will likely replace the Australian driver.

Briatore, however, speaking to Le Parisien, confirmed his team will start the season with Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan.

“The only thing we can be sure of is death! We’ll start the year with Pierre and Jack; I can guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses," Briatore said (via Planet F1).

He added that more than 1,000 people in the factory work for just two drivers. Hence, if a driver is not meeting the expectations, he should be cut loose, as according to Briatore, one cannot be emotional while running an F1 team.

Jack Doohan made his debut with Alpine in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after Esteban Ocon was released early to feature in post-season testing with the Haas F1 team.

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Flavio Briatore opens up on the possibility of signing Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto (Image Source: Getty)

Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore's interest in Franco Colapinto is not new. He previously suggested that if an opportunity opens up, he would consider the Argentine driver. Talking to Auto Motor und Sport, he said:

“If there was an opportunity to get Colapinto for 2026, you have to think about it.” (via Planet F1)

Briatore previously told German publication Sport Bild that his team talked to the Argentine's management for a potential offer for the 2025 season as he was seeking the best opportunities for the team.

While a deal couldn't materialize, rumors suggest that Colapinto is likely to be seen on the grid for the 2025 season despite not a single seat being available momentarily.