Franco Colapinto: Alpine has signed the Argentine to a multi-year contract with Williams as reserve driver until 2025 | F1 news

Alpine has signed Franco Colapinto from Williams on a multi-year deal.

Colapinto drove the final nine rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 season for Williams, replacing Logan Sargent, but the team has signed Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon in 2025.

The 21-year-old will act as a back-up for Pierre Gasly and Jacques Doohan, the latter of whom will make his F1 debut in 2025.

Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto.

“Franco is certainly one of the best young talents in motorsport at the moment. It’s fair to say that his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year impressed many, including myself, and his performance was impressive for a rookie driver.

“We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with to develop the team for future success.”

Colapinto’s signing was announced hours after Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa joined Alpine as a test and reserve driver.

Alpine says Colapinto will take part in several grands prix in the 2025 F1 season and will share the team’s previous car testing with Hirakawa and Paul Aaron.

Colapinto has made an impressive start to his F1 career, taking two points in the first four grands prix, and these performances have seen him link up with a 2025 seat at either Red Bull or his junior team, RB.

However, a series of big crashes in the final stages of the season cooled Red Bull’s interest.

“I am very happy to have the opportunity to join the BWT Alpine Formula 1 team,” said Colapinto.

“Thank you Williams for your support from the time I first joined the academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. You have made my dream of racing in Formula 1 a reality, and I will always be grateful. For that.

“Now, it’s time for a new chapter, and it’s a real honor to take on this challenge with the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team.”

The signing of Colapinto, who has quickly built up a strong following among Argentinian motorsport fans, will increase the pressure on Doohan to deliver on his debut campaign.

The 21-year-old Australian has been given a shot at the big time after spending three seasons as the team’s reserve driver.

Doohan made his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, finishing 15th after the team agreed to cut ties with Hass-bound Esteban Ocon earlier than expected.

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