Colapinto joins Alpine as F1 reserve driver for 2025

Franco Colapinto has been signed by alpine With a multi-year deal as one of its reserve drivers for 2025, the new signing looks to have a long-term future. 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,

Impressed by his move to F1, Colapinto was considered as an option as a replacement for Red Bull sergio perez or for the 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.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto,” said Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor.

“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 One 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.”

Williams team principal James Vowles said that the team agreed to release Colapinto because they felt it was his best chance of securing a long-term race seat in the near future.

The Grove team had already secured the futures of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon before Colapinto entered the podium in 2024.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Alpine for Franco to join the team on a multi-year arrangement starting in 2025,” Vowles said.

“Over nine memorable races with Williams he clearly showed that he deserves a place in Formula 1 and we always said we would support him to get that place.

“Williams has one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid for 2025 and beyond in the form of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, so we believe this agreement with Alpine will be a great opportunity for Franco through 2025 or Represents the best chance of securing a race seat in 2026.

“We are proud to bring the Argentine back to the F1 grid, we want to thank Franco for everything he has brought to the team and look forward to future battles on the track.”

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

The Estonian was driving for Hitec, a team owned by Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes, and joined a team highly regarded by the Briton.

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.