In a matter of weeks, Franco Colapinto has cemented himself as someone to watch in F1. The 21-year-old scored points in just his Grand Prix last weekend, taking a brilliant 8th in Baku after an equally impressive qualifying. With both Williams seats for 2025 already filled, team principal James Vowles will support Colapinto in contract negotiations elsewhere in the paddock.
Franco Colapinto will receive support from Williams in contract negotiations with Sauber
As recently reported by LWOS, Sauber are understood to be interested in Franco Colapinto’s services. His impressive performances for Williams have attracted interest from the Swiss outfit – who are yet to finalise their 2025 lineup.
Although Gabriel Bortoleto remains in contention to secure this seat, the Argentine’s arrival is undoubtedly a game-changer.
Having spent months deliberating on who they will select to drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber find themselves with another candidate to assess.
Of course, with Carlos Sainz agreeing to a multi-year deal at Williams, there is no space for Franco Colapinto in the team. However, the British outfit is committed to supporting him in contract negotiations with other teams.
Vowles: We want to see Colapinto in F1 next year
Speaking after the Baku GP, James Vowles made clear that he will support his driver in his efforts to find a 2025 seat:
“What I really hope is that he [Colapinto] is competing [next season],” he told lat.motorsport.com.
“I want a place for him so he can race in 2025 – and ideally in Formula 1.”
“In two races he has shown to the world he deserves a place in Formula 1. I have always firmly believed that you have to give good drivers opportunities.
“So we’ll see if we can find a way to work with Audi (Sauber) in this circumstance. That’s what I was insinuating about regarding next year.”
At this stage, Sauber’s priorities in terms of driver selection are unclear. For most of 2024, the Hinwil-based squad have shown a lack of decisiveness in this department.
The arrival of Mattia Binotto as Chief Technical Officer in September, alongside other changes in senior management, have added another variable to their seemingly unsolved driver equation.
For Franco Colapinto, the developments of the last few weeks could not have gone better. Not only has he been given a golden opportunity, but the Williams driver has seized it with both hands.
It remains to be seen if Colapinto has a decisive edge over Gabriel Bortoleto or even Valtteri Bottas in Sauber’s 2025 considerations.
However, the 21-year-old is clearly becoming a central player in the final stages of this season’s driver market evolutions.
