Written by Meghana Sree
Franco Colapinto has agreed to a multi-year deal with Alpine for 2025, making him a backup driver for the team, should the incumbent Jack Doohan not match the expectations of supremo Flavio Briatore.
The young Argentinian who impressed all-round in 2024 after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams will be returning to the Formula One paddock, this time as a potential replacement for Jack Doohan.
Although Doohan has a seat secured with Alpine, it has been suggested that his contract allows for the team to evaluate his performance during the first few races, after which they can take a call on whether to retain Doohan or switch him with Colapinto.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Colapinto expressed on this decision.
“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.
“Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour.
"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. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us."
Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor at Alpine, said: “We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now.
“It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula 1 grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver.
“We have an eye on our future and 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 undoubtedly benefits from this contract. After his stellar performance in 2024, scoring points on two occasions across nine Grands Prix, his future in F1 was speculated upon by many.
Eventually, he was left without a seat for 2025. This opportunity lets him have one foot in the door for the upcoming season, ready to step in for Doohan if the team requires it.
As for Doohan, while this agreement adds extra pressure on him to deliver within the first few races, it will also motivate him to perform to his best potential and consistently keep up with teammate Pierre Gasly.
With Colapinto ready to oust Doohan at any given moment, it’s now up to the Australian to focus on securing his future long-term and prove to the team that he can be relied upon for successful results.
