Williams boss James Vowles has revealed it is in talks with rival Formula 1 teams regarding Franco Colapinto amid a visit from Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner.
Colapinto has been a revelation since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams prior to the Italian Grand Prix in August, delivering two points finishes in his five showings.
However, the Argentine’s exploits will not land him a permanent drive with Williams next term as the team will welcome Carlos Sainz alongside incumbent Alex Albon.
But there remains a vacant opening at Audi-owned Sauber, while Red Bull Team Principal Horner has indicated that Colapinto is among the options that it is exploring.
Colapinto might end up in the Red Bull stable in the scenario where it ousts the struggling Sergio Perez and RB’s Liam Lawson is selected as the name to replace him.
Vowles has divulged that discussions with other competitors are ongoing at the moment, but he admitted that negotiations over a potential release are not advanced.
“The best I can say is this: we’re exploring possibilities with a number of teams that are interested at the moment,” Vowles told media including Motorsport Week.
“And beyond there, it would be wrong to do anything more than speculate here. There’s nothing to really communicate beyond that point.
“When there is, I’ll happily talk about it because he’s an exceptional driver.
“I really mean that. Go look outside. And there was tens of thousands of individuals here to support a driver that’s been in our championship for five races.
“He’s doing an outstanding job on track. And as I’ve said from the very beginning, earn your position, and elements will come your way.
“But beyond there, I think especially when we look at the fact he’s a 21-year-old, and my responsibility is also towards him and making sure we do the right thing.
“I want to make sure that when we have news, come to the world. But there really isn’t much to talk about right now.”
Williams coy on retaining Colapinto option
One potential stumbling block to a deal with Red Bull is advisor Helmut Marko underlining that the side wouldn’t sanction a deal that involves Colapinto being on loan.
Asked whether Williams would want to retain an option on Colapinto’s services, Vowles replied: “It’s the same conversation I just had.
“In any circumstance, I want to make sure we understand what others are interested in, and then we’ll form our basis as to what’s the best solution for everyone.”
Vowles explains Horner visit
Horner was spotted attending Williams’ hospitality unit in Brazil, but Vowles was tightlipped as he remarked that the Red Bull boss wanted to sample its new coffee.
Questioned on Horner’s impromptu visit, Vowles quipped: “We’ve recently signed a new coffee sponsor, which is Reviver from Golf, and he really wanted to try it.”
Vowles is optimistic that a decision on Colapinto’s prospects going into 2025 will be decided before the last race this season in Abu Dhabi at the start of December.
“These sorts of things are always hard to do because you’re talking about multiple teams talking together,” he concluded.
“But it’ll be something that I’m confident before the last race of the season we’ll have nailed, but it’s really hard for me to pinpoint where in between those two timelines.”
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