It feels like an eternity ago since Red Bull had true stability with their driver line-up. The last few days have been flooded with reports about Yuki Tsunoda potentially replacing Liam Lawson. Amidst this flurry of activity, a new name has entered the mix – Franco Colapinto.
According to new reports, Colapinto is being considered for a VCARB seat.
Whilst this is an unexpected development, it would not be the first time Red Bull showed interest in Franco Colapinto.
Red Bull’s long-term Colapinto interest
Although Red Bull eventually decided to promote Lawson at the end of last season, he wasn’t the only driver being considered.
Ironically, it wasn’t even fellow VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda who was on their radar.
In the aftermath of his impressive Williams debut, it was Franco Colapinto who managed to attract Red Bull’s interest.
The Argentine driver shocked the F1 world with his points finish in Baku, just his second Grand Prix in the sport.
Christian Horner confirmed at the end of last season that preliminary talks were held with Colapinto in 2024.
However, a series of errors for the 21-year-old dissuaded Red Bull from pursuing talks further, as Alpine moved in and became his most enthusiastic suitor.
In any case, Red Bull’s previous negotiations with Colapinto provide some context into some of the reports emerging from the paddock.
Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, British Grand Prix, Friday 5th July 2024. Silverstone, England.
According to es.motorsport.com, the Argentine is being considered for a VCARB seat – which could become available in Japan if Tsunoda replaces Lawson.
Obviously, for Colapinto to join the Faenza-based team could result in Lawson being removed completely.
Because of this, foreseeing such a scenario is difficult to say the least.
Then again, this does not invalidate the accuracy of this development, especially considering Red Bull’s traditional driver approach.
The Milton Keynes team are no strangers to being ruthless, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Should Lawson be replaced by Tsunoda, it isn’t inconceivable he could spend some time on the sidelines.
After all, Red Bull have a history of drivers (i.e Gasly, Kvyat) whose reputations at the main team never truly recovered after being demoted.
Why VCARB is a convenient fit for Colapinto
It is not inconceivable that Red Bull, for better or worse, wouldn’t see a path back for Lawson at the main team if he is replaced.
Amidst all the speculation about Red Bull, the unusual driver dynamics at Alpine have been overlooked.
Before Lawson’s difficult start to 2025, Jack Doohan was often described as driver at risk of being replaced mid-season.
After all, Alpine have signed Franco Colapinto to a multi-year deal – with the intention of eventually putting him in a full-time seat.
The Enstone team’s intentions of promoting Colapinto have been made clear, both implicitly and explicitly.
However, Doohan is performing very well to start 2025. Putting aside his crash in Australia, the 22-year-old has been solid in the A525.
He is generally matching the efforts of teammate Pierre Gasly, which is a commendable feat for a rookie.
Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 22, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Friday 22nd November 2024. Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Both in qualifying and race he looks comfortable, which would make it difficult for Alpine to justify replacing him.
As a result, reports linking Colapinto to a surprise VCARB deal could solve a predicament for Flavio Briatore’s squad.
Alpine could send the 21-year-old to the Faenza team ‘on loan’. This would allow them to assess all three of their drivers and make a more informed decision for 2026.
To be clear, more information is necessary to determine how likely this blockbuster move is to materialising.
With that said, nothing can be discarded for a Red Bull team who could be forced into adjustments before the Japanese GP.
