Since making his debut at the Italian GP, Franco Colapinto has gone from strength to strength. The 21-year-old is firmly on Red Bull’s radar ahead of 2025, with the reigning Champions still negotiating with Williams to secure his services.
Williams and Colapinto must weigh the options
Within the space of three months, Franco Colapinto has changed the dynamics of the F1 driver market.
In many ways, Colapinto’s resurgence has given Williams a ‘good’ problem to deal with – an excess of top drivers.
With Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon confirmed for 2025, there is no space at the British team next year.
Although Williams see Colapinto as a key asset for the long-term (looking to 2026 and beyond) they cannot offer him a seat in the next twelve months.
Because of this lag time, Red Bull and Alpine are working to capitalise.
Both teams have entered talks with Williams over the 21-year-old, with the last races of the year set to see a flurry of negotiations.
Red Bull still in hot pursuit
As previously mentioned, Red Bull and Alpine are the two outfits currently pursuing the 21-year-old’s signature.
Williams have explained that getting Franco Colapinto a place on the 2025 grid is a top priority – though exactly what deal willing to accept is unknown.
Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have already explained that Colapinto’s existing deal with Williams is complicating talks.
After all, whilst James Vowles has expressed that getting Colapinto a full-time grid is a main objective, this is more of a courtesy to the Argentine than a contractual obligation.
Williams are entitled to sign an agreement on whatever terms they deem as satisfactory.
This could include a ‘loan’ deal, which would see Franco Colapinto on the 2025 grid – with Williams retaining the option to recall him in the future.
Colapinto contract situation is intricate
For a multitude of reasons, this is not Red Bull’s preference. Their aim it to sign the youngster on a full-time deal.
Meanwhile, it is unclear how far Alpine are willing to compromise to make a move happen. Considering that Jack Doohan has a contract for 2025, any pursuit of Colapinto would likely be with 2026 in mind.
Given that Williams could be in a position to offer him a seat by 2025, Alpine’s offer might be less appealing that Red Bull’s.
Because of this, Red Bull (partly because of their second team, VCARB) are seen as the favourites to make an agreement happen.
Considering the unique circumstances surrounding these talks, there are a lot of question marks to be addressed.
However, if Franco Colapinto can continue putting in strong performances, more developments on this topic will become public knowledge before the season finale.
