Wild F1 driver line-up twist shut down

We know that Franco Colapinto is the subject of feverish speculation at present following his spectacular arrival in F1.

Colapinto was parachuted in at Williams after the team sacked Logan Sargeant following the Dutch Grand Prix. Team boss James Vowles said the American driver had gone as far as he could.

It was anticipated that Colapinto would be nothing more than a stop-gap driver for the remaining nine grands prix of the season ahead of Carlos Sainz’s arrival next year as team-mate to Alex Albon.

Colapinto, however, has delivered handsomely, finishing a superb eighth in his second race in Azerbaijan. Sargeant’s best finish in his 36 grands prix was 10th – only achieved once – and even then after two drivers ahead of him were disqualified.

Argentine Colapinto collected another point for 10th in the United States, since when he has become hot property, not least that allied to his talent is the fact a welter of sponsors from his home country are eager to be associated with him.

The 21-year-old was linked with Stake, but boss Mattia Binotto instead opted to go with Gabriel Bortoleto.

Red Bull is said to be interested in hiring Colapinto as a replacement for Sergio Perez, although Williams is demanding a £20 million compensation package before letting him go.

Remarkably, a wild rumour has recently emerged that Alpine is interested despite the fact it announced Jack Doohan as team-mate to Pierre Gasly for next season in late August after it parted ways with Esteban Ocon.

RacingNews365 understands, however, that whilst it is no secret several teams are interested in Colapinto, given he is naturally doing a good job at Williams, there is no truth whatsoever in this speculative link simply because Alpine’s line-up is confirmed.