Williams driver Franco Colapinto is yet to secure a contract for the upcoming Formula 1 season. This year, he was called up to replace Logan Sargeant, but in 2025, he will have to make way for Carlos Sainz. However, his top ten finishes and growing popularity have piqued the interest of several parties. His management believes a new contract is imminent.
In a conversation with Argentine Campeones TV, Maria Catarineu, Franco Colapinto’s manager, revealed that intense lobbying is taking place behind the scenes for a new contract. Williams team boss James Vowles has urged Sauber to sign the young Argentine, but Red Bull and Alpine are also reportedly interested in the 21-year-old driver. “It’s clear that many scenarios are being worked on,” Catarineu explained.Everyone knows that there are many teams that want to see Colapinto in Formula 1 next year,” she continued. “Williams, Formula 1, and of course his fans have earned that. And we want to stay here anyway. That’s also the best for Franco.” When asked how likely she thinks it is that Colapinto will get a contract for next year, Catarineu replied: “On a scale of one to ten? Twenty,” she responded immediately. “So many people want this, so it’s only fair that it happens.”
Where Can Colapinto Drive?
The question is where a spot can be made for the young driver. If Sergio Pérez is replaced by Liam Lawson next year, Visa RB could contract Colapinto. However, Helmut Marko has confirmed that he would then have to sever his ties with Williams. “We want Colapinto completely or not at all,” said the Austrian. Alpine has also shown great interest, although the future line-up with Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan is already set.
Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has reportedly called former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone about Colapinto. The F1 Supremo told Blick that the French are willing to pay a transfer fee of twenty million dollars, even if it means firing Doohan, who has not yet driven a Formula 1 race. ‘Contracts are there to be broken’, the Swiss medium wrote.
