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Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Franco Colapinto (43) arrives before practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Franco Colapinto's Alpine F1 Contract Details Revealed As Manager Speaks Out

Originally posted on F1 on SI | By Lydia Mee | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto has finalized a move to the Alpine F1 Team as a reserve driver on a multi-year loan from Williams. Now, Colapinto's manager María Catarineu has revealed further details into the intricacies of the contract with the French team.

Following his debut with Williams in the second half of the 2024 season, Colapinto quickly garnered attention through his impressive performances.

Now, as a test and reserve driver for Alpine, there is growing curiosity about his future in Formula 1. His emergence at Williams, after stepping in for Logan Sargeant, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and these qualities now have Alpine team insiders talking about the potential for him to replace Jack Doohan.

Colapinto's contract with Alpine comes as a loan from Williams, set for an extensive period covering five seasons. This arrangement, as explained by Colapinto's manager María Catarineu, involves Alpine having complete rights over Colapinto.

This means that any team interested in acquiring the young talent within this period must negotiate directly with Alpine.

Speaking to Argentinian publication Infobae, Maria Catarineu, Commercial Director at Bullet Sports Management, commented on the contract and the negotiations leading up to it:

“It took a long time because negotiations are sometimes complex, as in this case. But Flavio was always very persistent and in the last few weeks he was very intense.

“The agreement came about because both parties got what they wanted – Flavio was able to sign Franco and [Williams boss] James [Vowles] was able to give him the chance to race, because at Williams their regular drivers are on long-term contracts.

“Briatore has seen Franco since he made his F1 debut. The day we first chatted he said: ‘I’ve seen talent and I want him.’

“He followed all the races closely and how he evolved as an F1 driver in the nine Grands Prix he was able to race.”

She continued:

“Williams gave Franco to Alpine for five years.

“I understand that, if another team appears interested in Franco, within that period, I guess it would be a negotiation between Alpine and the other team.”

Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has also commented on the signing of Colapinto. He 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 One 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.”

2025 Formula One Season Schedule

Pre-Season Testing

Dates: 26-28 Feb
Location: Bahrain, Sakhir
Event Name: FORMULA 1 ARAMCO PRE-SEASON TESTING 2025
Circuit: Pre-Season Testing

Australia

Dates: 14-16 Mar
Location: Australia, Melbourne
Event Name: FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Melbourne circuit

China

Dates: 21-23 Mar
Location: China, Shanghai
Event Name: FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Shanghai circuit

Japan

Dates: 04-06 Apr
Location: Japan, Suzuka
Event Name: FORMULA 1 LENOVO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Suzuka circuit

Bahrain

Dates: 11-13 Apr
Location: Bahrain, Sakhir
Event Name: FORMULA 1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Sakhir circuit

Saudi Arabia

Dates: 18-20 Apr
Location: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah
Event Name: FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Jeddah circuit

Miami

Dates: 02-04 May
Location: Miami, Miami
Event Name: FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2025
Circuit: Miami circuit

Emilia-Romagna

Dates: 16-18 May
Location: Emilia-Romagna, Imola
Event Name: FORMULA 1 AWS GRAN PREMIO DEL MADE IN ITALY E DELL'EMILIA-ROMAGNA 2025
Circuit: Imola circuit