After an electric start to his F1 career, enthusiasm for Franco Colapinto has declined. However, Williams team principal James Vowles says there are still teams interested in his services.
Colapinto working towards permanent F1 contract
Only a few months ago, Franco Colapinto was linked to several teams.
Red Bull made no secret of their admiration for the Argentine, particularly after his points finishes in Baku and COTA.
The 21-year-old was immediately on Alex Albon’s pace, quickly getting up to speed in a highly competitive midfield.
Unfortunately for Colapinto, a series of big crashes in Brazil and Las Vegas damaged his market value.
Scepticism about his abilities began to grow, with Red Bull no longer considering him for their 2025 plans.
Vowles: There are still options for Colapinto
Despite his chances of a full-time seat falling, James Vowles insists there are talks ongoing in the background.
According to the Williams boss, it would be premature to write off Colapinto:
“We have to recognise he’s only got a handful of races under his belt , and he’s 21,” he told Mirror Sport.
“There’s massive potential in front of him. That’s what everyone can see, and he’s dealt with everything beautifully.
“But there’s no doubt about it, he’s had a run of a few bad races. Some he has fault on, some we have culpability on.
“But that’s the sport, we have to recognize that there’s no margin for error.”
READ MORE: Jack Doohan F1 debut overshadowed by Colapinto threat
Whilst recognising Colapinto’s errors, Vowles insists the driver market could still have more surprises.
There could be more twists ahead, explains the former Mercedes strategist:
“What I can tell you is this – He’s performed admirably, and there’s still interest up and down the paddock.
“And there’s interest from ourselves as well, when there’s a seat available….
“No-one predicted what’s going to happen for next year’s driving market. Watch this space, because I don’t think the changes are done yet.”
An unpredictable landscape
Just in the last few weeks, the volatile nature of Formula 1 has been reinforced.
After half a decade at Alpine, Esteban Ocon was abruptly replaced with one race left in the season.
Jack Doohan took his place, as Alpine showed no objection to ending their long-standing partnership with Ocon on sour terms.
However, this story is not only noteworthy as an example of F1’s cut-throat nature.
Doohan’s last-minute appearance for Alpine is relevant for Franco Colapinto, who has been in talks with the Enstone-based team in recent weeks.
Despite signing Doohan for the 2025 season, the French squad have shown interest in Colapinto’s services.
Having debuted after Alpine finalised their line-up, Colapinto became an unexpected name on Alpine’s radar.
To be clear, Alpine’s pursuit of the 21-year-old cooled down after his Vegas and Brazil errors.
His existing contract with Williams also makes it difficult for another team to sign him permanently.
Still, based on Flavio Briatore’s ruthless approach, it certainly isn’t beyond Alpine to push for a shock change.
Of course, it would be premature to say that Colapinto is on his way to Enstone.
Still, given James Vowles’ comments, it is worth watching this space over the winter break.
