F1: Franco Colapinto leaves Williams to join Alpine

Franco Colapinto has joined Alpine as reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season on a multi-year contract. He previously drove for Williams, scoring five points in nine races after replacing Logan Sargent. Colapinto’s move to Alpine follows speculation surrounding Jack Doohan’s position following his debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull had earlier considered offering Colapinto a VCARB opportunity or as a replacement for Sergio Perez, but those plans did not progress. Alpine’s decision to bring him in shows they are preparing for potential changes to their driver line-up.

Doohan’s short-term contract with Alpine has raised questions about his future at the club. By signing Colapinto, Alpine have a backup option if Doohan fails to live up to expectations in the early rounds of the 2025 season.

Also read: F1: Mercedes-AMG F1 Team signs multi-year partnership with adidas

Franco Colapinto said: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to join the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Williams for the support they gave me from the moment I joined the academy until my last race in Abu Dhabi. All my support. They turned my dream of racing in Formula 1 into a reality and I will always be grateful for it. Now it’s time to start a new chapter with BWT Alpine. It is truly a privilege to take on this challenge with the Formula 1 team. Many thanks to Luca (De Meo), Flavio (Briatoli) and Oliver (Ox) for trusting me and welcoming me with open arms. Join the team. I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us.

Flavio Briatore, executive advisor to Alpine F1 Team, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Colapinto). Franco is clearly one of the best young talents in motorsport right now and it’s fair to say that his emergence in Formula 1 last year surprised a lot of people (including me) for a rookie driver. “His performance is very impressive as we look to our future and his signing means we have a strong pipeline of young drivers that we can call on and develop the team with for future success.”

Also read: F1: Alpine signs Ryo Hirakawa as test and reserve driver

Franco Colapinto is not the only driver Alpine has signed for the 2025 season. The French team also included Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa into its reserve team and development lineup. Hirakawa joined Alpine after leaving McLaren, bringing valuable expertise to the team.