{"id":29564,"date":"2025-01-16T03:24:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T08:24:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=29564"},"modified":"2025-01-16T14:39:43","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T19:39:43","slug":"franco-colapintos-sponsors-played-important-role-in-alpine-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/01\/16\/franco-colapintos-sponsors-played-important-role-in-alpine-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Franco Colapinto’s Sponsors Played Important Role in Alpine Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just days into 2025, Alpine<\/a> have added an important dimension to the F1 transfer market. Franco Colapinto has signed a multi-year deal and joined the French team as a reserve driver. However, all indications suggest that Colapinto is a leading contender to become a full-time driver in the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

Why Alpine wanted Franco Colapinto<\/h2>\n

The last six months have been extremely hectic for the 21-year-old. Initially, there was scepticism when he joined Williams mid-season – taking the place of Logan Sargeant.<\/p>\n

Outside observers argued that Colapinto’s results in junior categories did not inspire confidence about how he would perform in Formula 1.<\/p>\n

However, Williams team principal James Vowles<\/a> pointed out that Colapinto was far better than his results in Formula 2 and Formula 3 indicated. Vowles explained that limited funds often meant that the Argentine had very limited pre-season testing.<\/p>\n

A lack of financial resources also meant that Colapinto’s machinery was inferior or less reliable to some of his direct competitors.<\/p>\n

Of course, it did not take long for James Vowles’ belief in the Argentine to be met with rewards.<\/p>\n

Points finishes in Baku and COTA created immense excitement for Colapinto and his potential in the sport. This optimism did not only come from the fans, but from team principals across the paddock as well.<\/p>\n

Red Bull and Alpine were the two teams most interested in securing the Williams driver’s services.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for Colapinto, a series of mistakes in the final stretch of the season damaged his market value and slowed down contract talks. At least, this was true for the 21-year-old’s negotiations with Red Bull.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Alpine’s enthusiasm for the Argentine persisted. Despite having already signed Jack Doohan for the 2025 season, Flavio Briatore’s team<\/a> continued to negotiate with Franco Colapinto over the winter.<\/p>\n

These talks ended with the Argentine signing a multi-year contract. Initially, he will be Alpine’s reserve driver – although there can be no doubts that a full-time seat is on the horizon.<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Alpine Target Championship contention by 2027<\/a><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>