Williams is pushing for Franco Colapinto to secure a seat at Sauber in 2025. Since debuting with Williams at Monza, replacing the underperforming Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto has impressed everyone, including his home country, Argentina.
If the options for 2025 weren’t already closed, the young driver would surely have a guaranteed spot. It’s not every day someone scores their first points in just their second Formula 1 race.
Next year’s driver lineup has already been set, with Carlos Sainz joining Alexander Albon as his new teammate. However, the Colapinto-mania can’t be ignored. That’s why James Vowles is working to secure him the only available seat: the one at Sauber.
In previous weeks, the Williams team principal had already confirmed his intention to find Franco Colapinto a place in Formula 1. The only feasible way is through a “loan.”
“Franco will always be part of our academy program, no matter what,” James Vowles told the Wall Street Journal. “What happens next year, if Audi doesn’t take him, we’re transparently discussing if this is the right path for him, where he could be on the grid with them for two years.”
However, Sauber seems set to renew Valtteri Bottas, who currently appears to be the ideal candidate. If that’s the case, James Vowles already has a Plan B for Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver would remain with Williams as a reserve driver and could focus on developing future cars.
It’s a role the 21-year-old from Pilar has already performed in the simulator.
“He would be our reserve driver, ready to step in if anything happens,” James Vowles continued. “What I’ve learned over the last 12 months is that the F1 driver market never stands still. For us, it’s a good thing, we’ve signed, but look ahead to next year: I think you’ll see a bit more movement.” – the Williams team principal concluded.
Leave a Reply