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 the new signing jack doohan Left in limbo after just one Formula 1 race.

Argentina has been kept away from Williams Academy after a successful early stint in his F1 career, as he scored five points in the nine Grands Prix in which he competed after being substituted. logan sergeant,

Colapinto was considered as an option for Red Bull, impressed with his move to F1 sergio perez For replacement or vacant seat racing bullsBut this interest was not followed up.

Colapinto has since been linked to Alpine as a possible replacement for Doohan.Who made his F1 debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Finale esteban ocon was released early from his contract.

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

Colapinto said: “I am extremely excited by the opportunity to join the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team. Firstly, I would like to thank Williams for all their support from the time I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi.

“He made my dream of racing in Formula 1 a reality and I will be forever grateful for that.

“Now, it is time for a new chapter, and it is truly an honor to accept this challenge with the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team.

“Thank you very much to Luca (Di Meo), Flavio (Briatore) and Oliver (Oakes) for believing in me and welcoming me to the team with open hearts.

“I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. Also, a big thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me throughout the challenges of the 2024 season.

“Your support made this possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas Gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement means a lot to me. Let’s aim for even bigger things in 2025 and beyond.

Alpine executive advisor Briatore said: “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto.

“Clearly, Franco is one of the best young talents in motorsport at the moment. It’s fair to say that his presence on the Formula 1 grid last year surprised many, including myself, and for a rookie driver his performances have been very impressive.

“We have our eyes set on our future and his signing means we have a great group of young drivers we can call upon and work with them to develop the team for future success.”

Alpine had previously signed ex-Mercedes junior Paul Aron to a reserve driver contract.After impressing in his rookie F2 season by briefly competing for the title before finishing third.

The Estonian was driving for Hitec, the team owned by Alpine team principal Oaks and joined by a team highly regarded by the Britons.

Earlier on Thursday the Ryo Hirakawa was also unveiled as part of Alpine’s reserve poolAs soon as the Japanese driver left his role mclaren To provide his expertise to the French organization.