Although only one seat left on the 2025 grid, the F1 driver market is going into overdrive. Red Bull are working diligently to assemble the best driver line-up for next season – which includes looking at candidates beyond their academy. Franco Colapinto is, once again, at the centre of Red Bull’s focus.
Red Bull negotiate with Williams over Colapinto
Before this weekend’s action even kicked off in Brazil, Red Bull’s interest in Franco Colapinto became apparent.
Christian Horner was spotted visiting the Williams hospitality, where he almost certainly spoke to James Vowles about the availability of his drivers.
Although Liam Lawson is a viable option for Red Bull, the Austrian team see Colapinto as a potential superstar.
The 21-year-old is already performing at an extremely high level, despite having essentially no testing to prepare him for the Williams FW46.
Of course, despite limited running, Colapinto’s speed in the simulator gave James Vowles the confidence he was capable of racing in Formula 1. This confidence has been repaid almost instantly.
However, an unexpected consequence of the Argentine’s rise is that several teams are now knocking on Williams’ door.
Horner confirms Red Bull interest
Red Bull’s Christian Horner made no secret of his interest in Colapinto when speaking to Sky Sports:
“We got Liam Lawson obviously in the VCARB doing a really great job. Oliver Bearman should get a shoutout today, because he was impressive.
“I think Franco, again, is a kid that’s doing really, really well.
“Of course, you’re always keeping one eye on the driver market.
“And I think Franco definitely has the qualities to be a potential star of the future.”
Even before Red Bull entered the equation, James Vowles was facing a tricky dilemma with his drivers.
Colapinto is obviously an immense talent, but Williams have already finalised their line-up for 2025 – meaning the Argentine would spend next year on the sidelines.
Because of the lack of space at Williams, several teams are working to sign the Argentine by offering a full-time contract.
This obviously is not the preference for James Vowles’ team, who recognise that Colapinto is an exceptionally valuable asset.
Colapinto negotiations intensify
It is understood that Williams are happy to ‘loan’ their academy driver to other teams.
This would still give the Grove-based team the ability to recall the 21-year-old after the loan spell ends.
Unsurprisingly, this arrangement does not satisfy Red Bull, who would prefer to sign him permanently.
Elsewhere on the grid, Alpine have been mentioned as a team willing to offer Colapinto a full-time contract for 2026.
Because of these conflicting interests, rumours are now swirling intensely throughout the F1 paddock.
There are even suggestions that Carlos Sainz, who agreed to a multi-year deal with Williams, could be sucked in to these negotiations.
Whilst putting too much into these rumours would be unwise, there is no denying that extensive and increasingly complex talks are taking place.
Drivers that were already committed to teams for 2025 could find new opportunities present themselves.
The dynamics in the driver market are constantly evolving, and there are still many problems that remain unsolved.
In such an unpredictable environment, all Franco Colapinto can focus on is continuing to demonstrate his speed and consistency.
By doing this, teams will continue offering themselves to him in the coming months.
