Colapinto joins Alpine from Williams as test driver in multi-year deal · RaceFans

Franco Colapinto has joined Alpine as a test and reserve driver after the team reached an agreement with Williams, for whom he made his Formula 1 debut last year.

The 21-year-old impressed in his nine appearances for the team in place of Logan Sargeant in the second half of 2024.

Alpine has already named Pierre Gasly and newcomer Jack Doohan as its race drivers for this year. It has also appointed Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa as reserve drivers, the latter announced earlier today.

Now it has also secured the services of Colapinto after agreeing terms with Williams. The driver thanked the team for giving him his debut in the sport.

“They made my dreams come true and I will always be grateful for that,” he said. “I’d like to thank the mechanics and all the team members who made a massive effort to put the car on track and give me the opportunity to score points. And to the fans, who have been so supportive, you have been there for us in the good times and bad; you are the best.”

Williams team principal James Vowles said Colapinto “clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1 and we always said we would support him to get one.

“Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz [Jnr], so we believe this agreement with Alpine represents Franco’s best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026.

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“The Williams Racing Driver Academy exists to discover and develop the F1 stars of the future which is exactly what it has done in Franco’s case, and builds on our long tradition of giving talented young drivers their break at the top level of motorsport. We are proud to have returned Argentina to the F1 grid, want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on track.”

Although Colapinto has joined the team in a reserve role, his arrival will prompt speculation he is being considered for a promotion to a race seat. Alpine moved Esteban Ocon aside one race before he was due to leave, in order to give Doohan his grand prix debut at last year’s season finale.

While Doohan is the first member of Alpine’s junior driver programme to race for the team, its executive advisor Flavio Briatore lavished praise on Colapinto when his move was announced today.

“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now,” said Briatore. “It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very 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 in developing the team for future success.”