Williams has revealed that it is in negotiations with Sauber over a two-season loan arrangement which would enable Franco Colapinto to remain in Formula 1 in 2025.
Colapinto was called upon to step up to an F1 seat and complete the remaining nine events this season when Williams elected to drop the struggling Logan Sargeant.
The Argentine, 21, has thrived since his debut showing at Monza and bagged his maiden points in Baku as he converted a Q3 appearance into an eighth-place finish.
Despite missing out on scoring more points in Singapore, Colapinto qualified 0.008 seconds behind Alex Albon and beat his more experienced team-mate in the race.
However, Colapinto’s exploits won’t serve as an audition to inherit the drive on a permanent basis as Williams has acquired Carlos Sainz to partner Albon next season.
Colapinto could retain his spot on the grid in 2025, though, as Williams boss James Vowles has divulged that he’s in talks with Sauber/Audi over a potential loan deal.
READ MORE: Sauber poised to resolve vacant 2025 F1 seat in coming weeks
“So, Franco will always be a part of the academy in our programme, irrespective, anyway,” Vowles told the Wall Street Journal in a Q&A.
“What he will be next year is if Audi don’t take him, and for transparency, we are in conversations to see if that is a route for him, where he could be on the grid with them for two years.”
Williams reveals 2025 Colapinto plans
However, Vowles has conceded that Colapinto’s chances at landing the remaining seat on the 2025 roster are slim as Sauber appears poised to renew Valtteri Bottas.
In the circumstance where Colapinto is overlooked, Williams plans to combine a reserve driver role with a rigorous testing programme in previous-generation F1 cars.
“Then what we would do [if he stays] is we run a two-year-old car, which is actually the same specification, pretty much, as what we’re running now, and he’d be running in that for thousands and thousands of kilometres to keep himself basically in a good shape,” Vowles continued.
“He would work with us on developing the future cars by being in our simulator and doing that testing work for us at the same time.
“And there were a number of racing series we’re looking at with him so that he can keep his hand really in racing at the same time.
“He would be our reserve driver, he’d be ready to stand by should anything happen, and what I have learned in the last 12 months is that the F1 driver situation is not over.
“It’s good for us, we’re signed, but watch next year – I think you’re going to see a little bit more movement.
“There’s more opportunity out there as well at the same time, so having one of the best drivers on the grid available, I think, will be a strength.”
