Driver market speculation is a hot topic in 2024. After a season that began with the same drivers as in 2023, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of true upheaval. From Hamilton’s move to Ferrari to Sainz’s transition to Williams, as well as the arrivals of Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman, the next intriguing development centers on Franco Colapinto. James Vowles addressed increasingly strong rumors linking the Argentine driver to Red Bull.
At the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, Oliver Mintzlaff was spotted in the Williams hospitality area. While the specifics of the meeting remain unknown, Franco Colapinto is believed to have been a key topic, given that the Argentine is seeking a seat for 2025. However, Red Bull still faces uncertainties around Perez, Tsunoda, and Lawson, as they must decide which seat to free up and possibly promote drivers from their Racing Bulls program.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after FP1 in Qatar, Vowles addressed speculation that Franco Colapinto might join Red Bull’s second team in 2025.
“There is interest,” he admitted. “I can confirm that much, but at this stage, it’s nothing more than interest. As far as I know, I’m just reading the media like everyone else. They [Red Bull] want to wait a bit and see how things unfold toward the end of the season.”
Commenting on the progress Colapinto has made in a short time, Vowles expressed satisfaction despite several incidents. “The short answer is yes,” he said. “Without a doubt, if you look back to Brazil, there were incidents. In Las Vegas, there were incidents. At that moment, he was faster than Gasly but started the lap too close to him, and we all know where Gasly ended up. He has the potential and the car’s pace. That’s what you look for in a driver, and he remains calm and composed under immense pressure. So yes, he’s doing well.”
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