As teams persist in their efforts to sign Franco Colapinto, speculation about his future is intensifying. Red Bull and Alpine are currently negotiating with Williams, seeing the Argentine as a hugely valuable asset for the future. According to Colapinto’s management, he is likely to feature on the 2025 grid.
Multiple teams in the race for Franco Colapinto
Only a few months ago, Williams faced criticism for choosing Franco Colapinto as Sargeant’s replacement.
The Argentine’s junior career, whilst impressive, was deemed by many as insufficient to warrant a mid-season swap.
However, the narrative has changed very quickly. Colapinto is now one of the most sought-after drivers in Formula 1, with even the reigning Champions identifying him as a key target.
On paper, next year’s grid is already set in stone – following Sauber’s Bortoleto announcement.
With that said, teams are showing a willingness to change their plans to accommodate Colapinto.
Conversations underway about a 2025 F1 seat
After the 21-year-old was officially announced as Sargeant’s replacement, Maria Catarineu (Colapinto’s manager) explained the process of Williams appointing him.
In a similar way, Catarineu has revealed there are many options for Colapinto to land a place on the 2025 grid.
“It’s clear that a lot of scenarios are being worked on,” she told Campeones TV.
“But what everyone needs to know, is that a lot of places want to see Colapinto in F1 next year.
“I think the public deserves it. F1 deserves it, and Williams deserves it as well. Because in the end, they want the best for Franco…
“We arrived in Formula 1 to stay.”
When asked to rate Colapinto’s chances of being in F1 next season from 1 to 10, Catarineu said the following:
“Twenty. I think when so many people are putting this level of intention into something happening, it would be fair for it to happen.”
Williams in control of negotiations
Due to the nature of his Williams contract, negotiations could take several weeks before reaching a conclusion.
Williams have every reason to keep ties to Colapinto. Having made the initially unpopular call to promote him, it is only logical they want to reap the rewards.
It would be hugely frustrating for James Vowles to let such a promising talent sign elsewhere, having just uncovered the 21-year-old’s potential.
Christian Horner’s team are pressing to secure the Argentine’s services, although plenty of areas must be addressed before anything can be agreed to.
Red Bull’s often unpredictable driver decisions – most commonly reflected in their second team, VCARB – make it difficult to pinpoint where they would place Franco Colapinto.
Where the Argentine fits into their plans, in the context of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, could determine whether a deal is possible.
Elsewhere on the grid, Alpine are very much involved in talks. The French squad believe there is an opportunity to strengthen their driver line-up before the 2026 regulations, which is naturally a priority.
At this stage, Williams are firmly in control of what happens next. There will be regular communication between the team and Franco Colapinto’s camp, to ensure the best outcome is achieved.
