Several teams are in negotiations to sign Franco Colapinto for 2025, confirms James Vowles. Despite this, the Williams team principal makes clear that many issues need to be addressed before an agreement can be reached.
Vowles: Teams who want Colapinto need to sort out their drivers
On paper, VCARB are the only team without a confirmed 2025 driver line-up. However, just the last twelve months have proven that contracts are not necessarily guarantees.
For some time now, Red Bull’s interest in Franco Colapinto has been public knowledge.
Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have both spoken in glowing terms about the Argentine.
Understandably, the reigning Champions have been front and centre of most F1 news reports about the Colapinto saga.
With that said, it is also understood that Alpine are in the race. Despite having Doohan under contract for 2025, the French squad are still interested in signing the Argentine.
Speaking to the media in Qatar, James Vowles’ comments were revealing:
“There is interest, but more than that I can’t really say at this point in time.
“I think those teams need to figure out what seats they have and don’t have going into next year – before we can ascertain where he’s going, if he’s going.”
Uncertainty continues
Red Bull’s precarious and often confusing driver situation is an almost traditional part of the driver market.
Because of this, the Williams team principal’s statements do not seem to be exclusively referenced to Red Bull – especially since they officially have a vacant 2025 seat.
If anything, James Vowles implies that another team with a confirmed pairing is pursuing Colapinto. All indications suggest this team is Alpine.
With Flavio Briatore (Alpine’s executive advisor) spotted in conversation with Franco Colapinto less than 24 hours ago, the Enstone squad’s involvement seems difficult to overlook.
Earlier this year, before Doohan’s contract was announced, Briatore suggested that drivers were not the team’s priority – instead emphasising the importance of producing a competitive package.
Of course, these statements were made prior to Colapinto’s debut.
Over the last few months, the 74-year old’s stance has changed – with Colapinto emerging as an unexpected option.
It remains to be seen how enthusiastic the French outfit are about securing the Argentine’s services.
Another key question is whether Red Bull or Alpine offer the more convincing proposal – both from the Williams and Colapinto perspective.
Red Bull are still undecided on where Perez, Tsunoda and Lawson will drive next year. This is an obvious complication in their efforts to negotiate with Williams, as James Vowles himself eluded to.
