Colapinto joins Alpine as reserve after Williams release

After agreeing to join the team from Williams in a multi-year deal, Argentine Franco Colapinto will serve as Alpine’s reserve driver this year.

When he finished nine races for Williams at the end of last year after losing American Logan Sargeant, the 21-year-old caught the attention of rival teams.

Colapinto’s long-term contract with Williams, where he was a development driver, has been removed, according to Alpine’s negotiations.

Since they already signed Carlos Sainz from Ferrari to join Alex Albon, Williams had no room for him in a race car this year.

According to Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore, “Franco is undoubtedly one of the best young talents currently in motorsport. I should say that his performance on the F1 grid last year surprised many, including myself, and was very impressive for a rookie driver.

We have a great pool of young drivers to turn to and help develop the team for future success because of his signing, which we have an eye on for our future.

Colapinto said:” Williams turned my dream of racing in F1 into reality, and I will always be grateful for that. Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with Alpine is truly an honour. “

Franco clearly demonstrated his worth to F1, and Williams team principal James Vowles remarked, “We always said we would support him in getting one.”

Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, Williams’ most formidable driver line-up for 2025 and beyond, are considered to be in Franco’s best chance to win a race seat in 2025 or 2026, according to Williams.

Colapinto impressed Williams and his rival teams with the speed of his F1 adaptation when he made his debut at the Italian Grand Prix in early September.

Colapinto’s appeal to teams increased as a result of interest from a number of Argentine sponsors who were eager to support him.

In 2025, Red Bull had discussions with Williams about a release and suggested signing him for their second team Racing Bulls, but their interest ran out after several Colapinto crashes in the Brazilian and Las Vegas races.

Alpine and his pursuit continued, and they ended his long-term relationship.

Colapinto’s potential race seat was not made public until Thursday’s announcement, but his joining Alpine puts pressure on their rookie driver Jack Doohan, who they have signed for a race seat in 2025 alongside Pierre Gasly, even more so.

The Frenchman, who won the 2020 Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull’s second team, joined Alpine for 2023 and last year signed a new deal that lasts until at least the end of 2026.

Doohan, the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, made his race debut at the final grand prix of 2024 in Abu Dhabi as a result of Alpine’s efforts to optimize his training for his debut season.

Gasly was seventh in the race and sixth on the grid, while the 21-year-old qualified last and placed 15th overall. Doohan was nearly 0.5 seconds off Gasly’s pace in the first part of qualifying, after which he was knocked out.

Briatore and Oakes have a choice if Doohan doesn’t live up to expectations during the season by signing Colapinto.

Japanese Hirakawa’s recruitment alongside Estonian Aron, who was third in Formula 2 last year, was announced earlier on Thursday.

The 30-year-old McLaren development driver will participate in the team’s first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4.