Franco Colapinto on the grid in 2025? Williams and Sauber in talks
Franco Colapinto has impressed Williams in his first two Grand Prix weekends in Formula 1, and Williams now wants to see him on the grid in 2025. Discussions are underway with Sauber to make the Argentinian Nico Hülkenberg's future team-mate.
The one who Replaces Logan Sargeant for the rest of the season has so far been flawless at Williams. After a good performance in Monza and an impressive weekend in Baku, even though he didn’t know the track, the British team wants to see their driver on the grid in 2025. The only available seat being at Sauber, discussions could take place to place the Argentinian alongside Nico Hülkenberg next year.
In an interview with Autosport, James Vowles, director of the Williams team, stated that Colapinto deserved his place in F1: « You have to let the good drivers race. In two races, he showed the world that he deserved a place in Formula 1.
A duo already formed at Williams for 2025
Despite these statements, the Williams team is not able to sign Colapinto for the next year, since it is Carlos Sainz who will take his place in 2025. Vowles also explained being certain of his choice: “Let’s see how it turns out in the end, as we have strengthened our lineup of drivers […] I believe it is still the right team for Williams as we grow and become a candidate for the world championship.”
A solid line-up for Williams, which does not prevent Vowles from thinking about the future of the Argentine driver: « I have always believed that we should let good drivers race. So we will see if we can find a way to work with Audi in these circumstances. That’s what I wanted to say for next year.
« I am incredibly proud, like a father, of what Franco has achieved, and I want him to succeed, and the right way to bring him back here to Williams is to make sure he builds his career,” he added.
A consensus between Williams and Sauber?
While <a href="/f1/actualite/34614-le-deuxieme-baquet-sauber-2025-toujours-suspens.html" title="Sauber's second seat in 2025 still pending"
"Sauber is hesitating on the choice of its last driver, with candidates such as Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Théo Pourchaire, now Franco Colapinto has entered the negotiations. Never has a Formula 1 seat seemed so contested, and the choice of the ideal candidate proves to be more than difficult for the Swiss team."
If Colapinto is part of the Williams family, Vowles was keen to point out that it is not impossible to let him go to another team: « I will not go into the details of the contractual arrangements, but he will always be part of the family. That's what you need to know, but it doesn't mean he can't race elsewhere. »
The question remains whether the Argentinian will get his way for next year. One thing is certain, if he continues on his good streak, his chances of joining Sauber in 2025 will only increase.
Read also: The next Grand Prix are decisive for Franco Colapinto’s F1 career.
