Franco Colapinto is one of the few drivers still on the market as the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion. He’ll be trying to impress prospective suitors once again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Colapinto has become a coveted driver since he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams at the end of August. Before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he had finished in the top 12 in all of his appearances.
That run included two points finishes, and some impressive qualifying performances up against Alex Albon. While he crashed out in both qualifying and the race in Brazil – James Vowles urged Colapinto to be more cautious – teams will make allowances for his inexperience on a treacherous circuit.
Multiple teams have shown an interest in the 21-year-old, who won’t be able to race for Williams next year. Albon is under contract and Carlos Sainz is joining from Ferrari.
One journalist claims Red Bull are planning to sign Colapinto and place him alongside Max Verstappen. There’s also a theory that he’ll start at junior team RB, with Liam Lawson moving up to the top team.
But they’re not the only teams interested in the young Argentine. Colapinto brings a £25m package of sponsors in addition to his evident talent.
Jenson Button concerned about backlash if Franco Colapinto joins Alpine at expense of Jack Doohan
Surprisingly, Alpine have been strongly linked with Colapinto. They came into 2024 with both drivers out of contract.
Esteban Ocon is leaving to join Haas, but Pierre Gasly signed a multi-year extension. Reserve driver Jack Doohan was then confirmed as Gasly’s teammate.
But speaking on Sky Sports F1 during FP1 at the Las Vegas GP, ex-driver Karun Chandhok relayed paddock rumours that Colapinto could supplant Doohan. His popularity and connections in Latin America could be enough to make Alpine go back on their word.
2009 world champion Jenson Button grimaced at the speculation. He thinks it won’t ‘go down well’ if Flavio Briatore axes Doohan before he’s even made his debut.
“There’s been a wave of rumours about Colapinto being in contention for that seat, although Jack Doohan was signed and announced,” Chandhok said. “The fact that there’s a massive amount of financial support, and big support from Argentina… the rumours aren’t going away that Colapinto is a contender for the seat at Alpine still, despite the fact that Jack’s been announced.”
“That’s not going to go down well is it, if it does happen!”
The Jack Doohan contract rumour that could explain Franco Colapinto move
Even if Alpine had the inclination to dispense with Doohan, they’ve already made a contractual commitment. It’s possible, though, that it isn’t an escapable one-year deal.
Indeed, one report claims Doohan only has a contract for five races in 2025. Alpine could sign Colapinto as a reserve driver at first before promoting him post-Saudi Arabia if they’re dissatisfied.
That would make the move risky, though. If Doohan starts well, then Briatore and Oliver Oakes won’t be able to justify a change.
Colapinto’s camp set a Vegas deadline to resolve his future. Further developments could therefore be imminent.
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