The driver transfer market in F1 never slows down.
After several days of speculation, Alpine announced on Thursday that super-sub Franco Colapinto will join the team as a reserve driver for the 2025 season. Colapinto was promoted to the grid mid-season a year ago, replacing Logan Sargent at Williams. Colapinto has scored five points in nine races, including an impressive eighth place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his second F1 start.
This contract is said to be a “multi-year contract.” Alpine said in a statement that Colapinto's addition adds to “the existing pool of talent available to the team as drivers throughout the season.”
Colapinto said he is excited about this new challenge.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to join the BWT Alpine F1 Team. First of all, I would like to thank Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the academy until the final race in Abu Dhabi. They made my dream of racing in Formula 1 a reality and I will always be grateful for that,” said Colapinto. “Now it's time for a new chapter. It's a real honor to take on this challenge with the BWT Alpine F1 Team. I'm really grateful to Luca. [de Meo]Flavio [Briatore] and oliver [Oakes] They believed in me and welcomed me to the team with open arms.
“I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. I also want to say a huge thank you to all of my sponsors and partners who have supported me through the challenges of the 2024 season. Everything is possible thanks to your support. To all my wonderful fans in Argentina, “Thank you so much!” Your passion and encouragement are invaluable to me. Let's aim for further leaps in 2025 and beyond. ”
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore described Colapinto as one of the “best young talents” in motorsport.
“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Franco is clearly one of the brightest young talents in motorsport today. It's no exaggeration to say that his appearance on the grid surprised many people, including myself, and his performance was very impressive for a new driver,” said Briatore. “We are looking to the future and his signing means we have a wealth of young drivers to work with and help develop the team towards future success.”
The move comes after Alpine announced the promotion of Jack Doohan to the full-time seat to replace Esteban Ocon, who departed in August. Doohan made his team debut at the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Alpine released Ocon from his contract ahead of his move to Haas in 2025.
By securing Colapinto's services in 2025, all eyes will be on whether Doohan can perform immediately. Colapinto had success in a limited run during the 2024 campaign.
This is a developing story.
