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Franco Colapinto has officially signed a multi-year contract with Alpine, transitioning from Williams to become the team's reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Colapinto made headlines in 2024 when he stepped in mid-season at Williams to replace Logan Sargeant. His debut was marked by an impressive performance, scoring points in just his second race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite notable finishes in Austin and other rounds, his tenure with Williams was always temporary, as the team had already secured Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon for 2025.
Expressing his excitement, Colapinto stated, "I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team. First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that."
He also extended gratitude to his supporters and new team members, adding, "A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore], and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. To my incredible fans in Argentina: 'Muchas gracias!' Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me."
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's Executive Advisor, hailed Colapinto as "among the best young talents in motorsport right now," adding, "His appearance on the Formula One grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise, and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver." Briatore emphasized Alpine's focus on the future, stating, "His signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success."
Colapinto will serve alongside Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron in Alpine's reserve roster, backing the full-time 2025 line-up of Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, who will make his Formula 1 debut.
Williams' Team Principal, James Vowles, expressed pride in Colapinto's development, remarking, "Over nine memorable races with Williams, he clearly showed he is deserving of a place in Formula 1. This agreement with Alpine represents Franco's best chance of securing a race seat in 2025 or 2026."
