The new era of Williams Racing has already begun just days after the final race of the 2024 season.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the final time that Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto lined up alongside each other.
Williams were forced to act earlier in the season when Logan Sargeant’s performances failed to live up to expectations.
With nine races to go, Colapinto was thrust into the crazy world of Formula 1 with just a few days noticed before the Italian Grand Prix.
He performed admirably aside from a mistake in qualifying and after his first four races, he had already scored five points.
Unfortunately for Colapinto, he was already well aware that there were no guarantees he would be racing in F1 in 2025.
Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz and they’ll be delighted that they’ve been able to bring in the 30-year-old after his strong end to the campaign.
Sainz is already driving for Williams during the post-season while Colapinto is nowhere to be seen after his time as a full-time Williams driver has come to an end.
Albon posted on Instagram after the final race weekend of the season and shared an image of the pair swapping helmets.
The Thai driver doesn’t think it’ll be long before the pair are racing against each other once again.
Alex Albon has ‘no doubt’ Franco Colapinto will race in F1 again
Albon shared a photo with Colapinto and they were both holding each other’s race helmets.
On Colapinto’s helmet, a message from Albon can be seen that reads: “All the best for the future mate, I have no doubt you will be on the grid in the future!”
Colapinto returned the favour on Albon’s helmet and said: “Thanks for being a great teammate, the best F1 teacher.
“It’s been a pleasure, all the best.”
In the caption of the post, Albon said: “Abu Dhump ’24. Came away with more helmets than points this weekend, but had fun.
READ MORE: Williams driver Alex Albon’s life outside F1 with net worth, girlfriend to parents
“Thank you @williamsracing team, all the best for the future @francolapinto & congratulations @mclaren on the WCC!”
Colapinto replied to Albon in the comments too and said: “Thanks a lot for the races mate loved it! Hope to meet again soon.”
Franco Colapinto’s final 2025 lifelines to stay on the Formula 1 grid are disappearing
With post-season testing fully underway, all eyes are on the situation at Red Bull and RB to see how their two driver line-ups will shake out going into the winter break.
Colapinto has been linked with Red Bull, although the likelihood of the team making a move for the Argentine appear to have dwindled.
Helmut Marko has ruled out moving for Colapinto, but there is one more seat of interest to the 21-year-old’s entourage.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats
The newest driver on the grid is Jack Doohan after he made his debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi.
Alpine may still be interested in Colapinto, but whether he’s a considerable upgrade on the Australian is yet to be seen.
He brings significant backing and has built up a huge fanbase in Argentina and beyond.
They may have to settle for brief cutaways of Colapinto watching races from the pit lane next season as Williams’ test and reserve driver.
