Williams made one unusual request to Alpine in negotiations over Franco Colapinto move

Franco Colapinto was announced as an Alpine test and reserve driver for the 2025 season on Thursday.

The Argentine was unveiled hours after Alpine confirmed the signing of Ryo Hirakawa. The duo join Paul Aron as a reserve driver for the Enstone-based team after the Estonian was picked up following his release from Mercedes in 2023.

Colapinto had been with the Williams Academy since 2023 and was afforded his chance in F1 as Logan Sargeant’s replacement last season from the Italian Grand Prix onwards.

The 21-year-old impressed in his nine-race stint with the Grove-based outfit, scoring five points. This prompted interest from other teams as Williams did not have a seat for Colapinto until at least 2027.

Red Bull were admirers of the Argentine, with their junior team Racing Bulls being linked with a possible move. But after having multiple costly crashes in Sao Paulo and Las Vegas, Racing Bulls pulled out their interest in Colapinto.

The team would not have been able to sign the 21-year-old anyway. Red Bull would have gone over the cost cap had they signed Colapinto due to the fee they paid Sergio Perez to release him from his contract.

Williams discussed splitting Franco Colapinto’s sponsorship money with Alpine

With Red Bull out of the picture, Alpine emerged as potential suitors for Colapinto, with Flavio Briatore striking a deal with Williams to bring the Argentine on board.

Colapinto provides Alpine with a strong package, given his racing experience from 2024 and his huge commercial value, given his incredible support in Argentina.

READ MORE: Who is Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto? Everything to know

James Vowles previously spoke about how several South American companies were calling Williams to come on board as sponsors for Colapinto. Realising the potential he has, journalist Edd Straw says the Grove-based outfit discussed with Alpine about splitting the sponsorship money from the deal.

“Alpine do want money to come in, but they’re not becoming an all-out rent-a-drive or anything. They just see it as a great opportunity,” he said via The Race F1 Podcast.

“One thing I do know for sure is that when there were early talks going on, this is quite some months ago. So kind of November time maybe last year, maybe even October.

“One of the possible deals that had been floated was one where by Colapinto would go to Alpine and there’d be a split of the sponsorship money between Alpine and Williams.

“So, Alpine would effectively pay Williams for his services by giving them a cut of the sponsorship. I’m sure there have been multiple different versions of that.”

Franco Colapinto fans label James Vowles the ‘literal GOAT’ after Williams exit

Undoubtedly, Williams team principal Vowles is a key figure in Colapinto’s career, having allowed him to prove himself in F1 in 2024, subsequently putting him on the map.

Vowles sent a touching message to the Argentine on social media, wishing him the best on his new adventure with Alpine.

Colapinto’s fans flooded Vowles’ comments with praise and gratitude, with some labelling him as the ‘liberal GOAT’ and even calling for Colapinto to dedicate his first F1 win – when it comes – to his now former boss.

Heading into 2025, the 21-year-old will be eyeing a seat with Alpine as Jack Doohan faces pressure to keep his seat, despite having only driven one race in F1.

Doohan’s contract is reportedly only for six races, giving him limited time to keep Colapinto on the sidelines. But Alpine has stressed Doohan is their man as they plan to start the season with the Aussie and Pierre Gasly.