Franco Colapinto’s debut performances have captured the attention of F1 teams, with Red Bull reportedly interested in acquiring the young driver. However, Williams is aware of the value he holds and aims to secure a significant sum in return.
The impressive start by Franco Colapinto, who debuted in F1 with Williams at the Italian Grand Prix and quickly scored five points in Azerbaijan and the United States, has put him on Red Bull’s radar. With Sergio Perez’s position increasingly uncertain for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, Red Bull is considering a potential purchase of the Argentine driver. Williams, however, is keen to leverage this opportunity to gain financially.
Williams Demands a High Price
Although Colapinto has only completed six races, his immediate impact has led to speculation about him potentially joining the main Red Bull team in place of Sergio Perez. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Perez will finish the season, but his place in the team beyond that remains unclear. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has openly praised Franco Colapinto’s skills, though he is undecided if the young driver should be placed in Red Bull’s primary team or with Racing Bulls.
Should Red Bull proceed, sources from RacingNews365 suggest they would have to pay Williams $20 million, in addition to fending off other teams interested in the Argentine driver.
Williams has no intention of letting its rising star go for free. While they may not agree to release him even with an offer, Williams has no available seat for Franco Colapinto in 2025, having already confirmed Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. There could, however, be a solution for Red Bull to cover the $20 million requested by Williams. With Colapinto’s strong commercial backing, Red Bull might raise the amount through Argentine sponsors, thereby “financing” the sum.
While $20 million is a steep price for a driver with only six races under his belt, Red Bull may not see it as an obstacle if they decide Franco Colapinto is worth the investment. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the team is genuinely willing to pay Williams’ entire asking price.
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