Colapinto Joins Alpine, Strengthens Team’s Future in F1
https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-drivers/franco-colapinto/Jan.10 - In a thrilling announcement for motorsport fans, Franco Colapinto, the 21-year-old Argentinian sensation, is set to don the colours of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. The rising star has signed a multi-year deal, transitioning from Williams Racing to take on the role of Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship.
A Strategic Move for Alpine
This deal underscores Alpine’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a formidable team for the future. Franco will join the likes of Paul Aron and Ryō Hirakawa in Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars Programme (TPC) and will play a crucial role in the team’s development efforts, including simulator work at their Enstone base. Additionally, his presence at numerous Grands Prix next season will bolster the team’s trackside capabilities.
Franco's Excitement for the Journey Ahead
Franco expressed his gratitude and excitement, reflecting on his time at Williams Racing, where he made a remarkable debut in Formula One. “I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team. Williams made my dream of racing in Formula One a reality, and I will always be grateful for their support,” Franco shared. Looking ahead, he praised the vision of Alpine’s leadership, including Luca de Meo, Flavio Briatore, and Oliver Oakes, and expressed eagerness to embark on this new challenge.
He didn’t forget to acknowledge his fans and sponsors, adding, “To my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me.”
Flavio Briatore’s Vision for the Future
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, known for his talent-spotting prowess, lauded Franco’s potential. “Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. His rookie performances were outstanding, and we believe he is a key piece in shaping Alpine’s future success.”
With this signing, Alpine has secured a bright talent, ensuring their roster of drivers is not only competitive today but poised for greater achievements in the years to come.
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A team having three reserve drivers at a time is unusual as teams have two on average, & I'm especially surprised about Hirakawa as Alpine doesn't have any partnership with Toyota like Haas, so the latter should've been clear for a reserve driver role.
As for the more relevant matter, Doohan of course would only get replaced if he underperformed, which is far from a given, especially as he isn't even the least experienced 2025 rookie, so if anyone has the biggest chance to struggle, Antonelli is the one as his readiness to even compete in F1 yet is questionable.
Back to Doohan, many people have been unnecessarily judgmental towards him & jumped to definitive conclusions about his chances for a long career in F1, even though he can just as equally succeed as he can fail, & in any case, failing to perform as expected is how he'd get sacked, either during or after the season, rather than for the sake of sacking, which many people also seem to struggle to grasp.
I remember you also saying Laura wouldn't go to Ferrari, all Flavs doing is edging his bets 2025 in preparation for 26,25 is irrelevant for Alpine as it is Sauber in this respect
And a happy new year to you all
No, I didn't unless by Laura you mean someone other than Lewis, although even with anyone else, I never claimed that driver definitively wouldn't become a Ferrari driver.
Yes, 2025 is irrelevant for both Alpine & Sauber or rather Audi, but still the essential point is that possibility isn't the same as certainty or guarantee by definition.
Anyway, happy new year to everyone from me as well.
The usual propaganda following a driver's transfer!
It's a bit of an anti-climax for Franco, as he will be in the shadows and not achieving in the highlights of competing.
Although, I guess it's better than no team attachment at all.
I suspect the big name drivers will make short work of the young boys that some of the teams are pinning their hopes on. When you look at the way drivers like Charles, Lewis and Max can carve their way through the experienced field it’s a big ask to expect these kids to compete, All the more surprising to see Carlos and Valtery apparently cast aside but that’s what makes F1 interesting.
Then there’s the new dad factor on Max, will that blunt his edge, I hope so.
Thats not very nice , why dont you take a leaf out of my book and only say nice things about the drivers, shame on you Tut tut..
For the sake of his family. Trust you to take it the wrong way.
You should always trust me Blo, you should know that by now
Your comment "the big name drivers will make short work of the young boys" is misguided. Reality is that the young boys will be out to prove their worth and show they are better than the experienced drivers. The main factor that will determine their competitiveness will be the car they are pedalling! For example, Lawson won't be languishing in mid-field as Cheko did. Since his first season, Piastri has been very competitive. However, his car is one of the best! So it depends on how competitive the car is, not so much the driver, because they are all driving at a smiliar ability level.
True but all things being equal there is no substitute for experience at the highest level.
Helmet reckons it will cost Max 3tenths but there’s also the mad dives down the inside and will CH manage to pull a competitive car out of the bag?
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