Williams has explained that the team agreed to sanction Franco Colapinto‘s exit to Alpine as it represents his “best chance” of earning a permanent seat in Formula 1.
Colapinto has departed Williams to move to Alpine on a multi-year deal in a switch which will see him commence the upcoming campaign in a reserve driver position.
The Argentine impressed in a nine-race stint at the end of the previous season with two points finishes, having replaced Logan Sargeant prior to the Italian Grand Prix.
However, Colapinto was guaranteed to relinquish his spot at Williams as the side had obtained Carlos Sainz to partner incumbent Alex Albon before his breakthrough.
Vowles had divulged a willingness to negotiate with an F1 rival, though, and Alpine retained an interest in Colapinto once Red Bull and Sauber went with other options.
That has culminated in this agreement between both parties, with Vowles admitting Colapinto is better placed to return to F1 with Alpine than the Grove-based squad.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025,” Vowles said.
“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.
“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.
“The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case, and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport.
“We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track.”
Colapinto ‘among the best talents in motorsport’
Vowles’ admission that Colapinto could end up competing in F1 again as soon as this term arrives despite Alpine having two drivers signed to start the 2025 season.
However, Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has indicated a mid-season change could be on the cards should rookie Jack Doohan struggle against Pierre Gasly.
Briatore has guaranteed that Doohan will begin the campaign, but the Enstone-based squad adding Colapinto, 21, is poised to increase the pressure on the Australian.
“We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto,” said Briatore.
“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now.
“It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.
“We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.”
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto leaves Williams to sign as Alpine reserve for F1 2025
