Colapinto joins Alpine as F1 reserve driver for 2025

Franco Colapinto has been signed by Alpine as one of its reserve drivers for 2025, as the long-term future of new signing Jack Doohan hangs in the balance after just one Formula 1 race.

The Argentine has been prised away from the Williams academy after a successful opening stint to his F1 career, as he scored five points in the nine grands prix he competed in after replacing Logan Sargeant.

Having impressed on his move to F1, Colapinto was considered as an option for Red Bull as a Sergio Perez replacement or for a vacant seat at Racing Bulls, but this interest was not followed up on.

Colapinto had since been linked to Alpine as a prospective replacement for Doohan, who made his own F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale as Esteban Ocon was released from his contract early.

With suggestions that Doohan has only been signed to a short-term race contract, Alpine’s hiring of Colapinto gives it insurance if the Australian does not impress in the opening rounds of 2025.

Colapinto said: “I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula 1 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 1 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 1 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. Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season.

“Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond.”

Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, added: “We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto.

Franco Colapinto, Williams FW46

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“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.”

Alpine had previously signed ex-Mercedes junior Paul Aron to a reserve driver contract, after he impressed in his rookie F2 season by briefly contending for the title before finishing third.

The Estonian was driving for Hitech, the squad owned by Alpine team principal Oakes and came into the fold highly regarded by the Briton.

Ryo Hirakawa was also unveiled as part of Alpine’s reserve pool earlier on Thursday, as the Japanese driver left his role at McLaren to offer his expertise to the French outfit.