James Vowles expects Franco Colapinto to return to Williams after having driven for Alpine
While Williams recently unveiled its car, the FW47, the team director mentioned the possibility of the 22-year-old Argentine returning to the team, while he is currently under contract with Alpine.
Franco Colapinto delivered an impressive performance by replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams after the summer break, despite a few accidents. The Argentine driver caught the eye of several team leaders and was named reserve and test driver at Alpine in early January. His five-year contract with the French team is remarkably long, considering the 9 races he has completed in F1. He scored points in Azerbaijan and the United States, even coming close to the fastest lap in the latter Grand Prix. Despite his successes, Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz for 2025 alongside Alex Albon and therefore could not offer more to Colapinto.
James Vowles, Williams director, confirmed that the Argentine would return to Williams after a stint at Alpine. The goal is to prepare him for a permanent seat at Alpine in 2025, and then to bring him back to Williams. This “stint” at Alpine is strategic for his development.
« The most important thing right now is that he is driving an Alpine for a number of years. Their choice, ultimately, is to do what they want with him, and then, I hope he will return to Williams. » the team boss explains to RacingNews365.
« There is a period where I hope he will run for Alpine, and the reason we left them is that we want him to race in 2025 or 2026. And that’s the best chance he has, without being with us. That’s why he’s there, and I don’t mean to say it’s to Jack’s detriment, I hope Jack will be successful, but ultimately, Franco is my driver that I want back in the car; after some time, he will return to Williams. » The arrival of Colapinto puts considerable pressure on Jack Doohan, the other young Alpine driver.
A clause in Doohan’s contract would allow the team to replace him if his first six races of the season are not satisfactory. Colapinto is considered a serious threat to Doohan’s future at Alpine.
An unlikely ascent
Colapinto’s rise in F1 is remarkable. The young 21-year-old Argentine driver has had to face financial difficulties throughout his career, even in karting. The lack of budget often deprived him of testing, and his participation in races depended on his performances. This constant pressure forced him to excel on every occasion, shaping his mentality and adaptability.
« It’s a pressure you learn to manage when you’re quite young and you don’t have many opportunities, and you don’t have many chances of what you’ll do next if it doesn’t go well », said the Argentine. To add: « When I was young, I was never sure if I could participate in the next race if I wasn’t performing well, or if I had an accident or anything. » I wasn’t used to having accidents – my first accidents were in F1, almost! »
His qualities, combined with his talent, explain his rise in F1, with five points scored in his debut with Williams. The difficulties he has overcome to reach Formula 1 now prepare him to succeed with the Alpine team before his possible return to Williams.
